The Society of Professional Journalists has updated its Code of Ethics for the first time in 12 years.

The code has existed for a century and has been revised only six times.

A draft of the new version is 967 words, which is 73 words longer than the current one.

The main reason for the update is the rapid rise of artificial intelligence.

Committee leaders Dan Axelrod and Chris Roberts said AI can save news organizations money but can also cause trouble if used poorly.

The draft does not mention AI by name, referring only to "tools and technologies" so it stays relevant as technology changes.

Another issue is the changing nature of journalism.

Many independent "creator journalists" now work outside traditional newsrooms.

A Pew study cited in the report shows that one-third of journalists were freelance or self-employed in 2023.

The code remains voluntary and is not enforceable.

The draft also replaces the old line "Give voice to the voiceless" with a new one about countering the unfair marginalization of those with less power.

Committee member Eric Deggans said the old phrasing wrongly assumed some groups lack a voice.

The proposed draft will be voted on in October.

SPJ President Chris Vaccaro said the code still matters even as the industry changes.