Var Actu, the controversial news site suspected of using AI, obtains online press service accreditation

The news website Var Actu has raised numerous questions in the press world following its granting of online news service status. Despite suspicions of its extensive use of artificial intelligence in content creation, the Joint Commission for Publications and Press Agencies (CPPAP) has granted Var Actu this accreditation, thus offering significant tax advantages. This decision is controversial because it comes at a time when the site claims to reach one million monthly readers while publishing an impressive number of articles with an extremely small editorial team. The news websiteVar Actu , accused of massively exploiting artificial intelligence to create its content, recently received accreditation as an online news service from the Joint Commission for Publications and Press Agencies (CPPAP). This decision has generated concerns among professionals in the sector, particularly due to accusations of plagiarism leveled against Var Actu. This article examines the reasons for the controversy and the implications of this status.

Context and obtaining the status:Var Actu is a news website distinguished by its ability to produce up to thirty articles per day, despite having a staff of only two journalists. On November 27, the site obtained the status ofonline press service , granted by the CPPAP . This status allows the site to benefit from tax advantages such as reduced VAT and exemption on donations. Use of Artificial Intelligence: Var Actu’s publications have a writing style often considered

impersonal

, which has raised suspicions about the extensive use of **artificial intelligence.**According to the website’s legal notices, AI is used solely to « optimize formatting, » but many industry players are skeptical of these claims. The technology watch website Next has also identified 8,000 media outlets that extensively use AI tools to boost their content. **Plagiarism accusations:**Var Actu is notably the subject of plagiarism accusations from its direct competitors, such as the daily newspaper Var Matin. Var Matin’s deputy director, Guilhem Ricavy, asserts that articles published by Var Actu are simply reprints of original reports without verification or sourcing. Despite two formal notices sent to Var Actu, the website denies any plagiarism accusations.

Reactions and concerns in the press world:

The accreditation granted to Var Actu has sparked some criticism among members of the CPPAP (Commission paritaire des publications et agences de presse) itself, who remain cautious about the website’s methods. They fear, however, that a refusal could lead to an appeal to the Council of State, which could set a legal precedent in favor of other sites that massively exploit AI. **Impact on the media sector:**The granting of this status to Var Actu raises broader questions within the media industry, particularly regarding the growing influence of AI and its consequences in terms of the authenticity and reliability of information.**Reporters Without Borders (RSF)**emphasizes the importance for legitimate media outlets to certify their investigations in order to combat the fake content that floods aggregators like

Google Discover

.

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