Microsoft, a key investor in OpenAI, provides the AI firm with Azure cloud computing resources. The New York Times asserts that its proprietary content has been used unlawfully, leading to significant financial damages.
Microsoft, a key investor in OpenAI, provides the AI firm with Azure cloud computing resources. The New York Times asserts that its proprietary content has been used unlawfully, leading to significant financial damages. Despite acknowledging the potential benefits of AI for the public and journalism, the Times emphasizes the need for obtaining consent before using journalistic materials for commercial purposes.
OpenAI and Microsoft are accused of building their tools using content from independent journalism, which the Times and others produce at a high cost and with expertise. The lawsuit claims that settled copyright law protects such journalistic content, and commercial use requires prior authorization, which has not been granted in this case.
OpenAI, in response, expressed disappointment with the lawsuit, noting their respect for content creators' rights and their willingness to collaborate for mutual benefit. However, a representative for Microsoft did not comment on the matter.
The litigation firm Susman Godfrey, known for its involvement in high-profile cases, represents The New York Times. The firm previously handled Dominion Voting Systems' defamation suit against Fox News, resulting in a significant settlement, and is also representing authors in a similar case against OpenAI and Microsoft.
The lawsuit is part of a broader challenge by media organizations seeking compensation from AI companies for using their content in AI training. The Times points out that AI models like ChatGPT are being trained with copyrighted material, creating content that closely resembles the original sources.
In an effort to address these concerns, OpenAI has formed a licensing agreement with Axel Springer, but the financial details of this partnership remain undisclosed.
The New York Times' lawsuit highlights several instances where AI models have reproduced and altered its content, directly competing with the original material and potentially impacting its revenue streams. The lawsuit underscores the tension between the development of advanced AI technologies and the rights of content creators.
Jay Goldberg is a staff writer at TechEchelon covering technology, markets, and policy. He files the breaking news and deal coverage that move the publication's core desks.
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