“The New York Times Files Lawsuit Against OpenAI and Microsoft for Alleged Copyright Violations in AI Model Training”
The New York Times has initiated legal action against OpenAI and its investor Microsoft, asserting copyright infringement through the unauthorized use of millions of articles for training generative AI models. The lawsuit, filed in the Federal District Court in Manhattan, demands the destruction of models and training data containing the contested material. The Times seeks “billions of dollars in statutory and actual damages” for what it claims to be the “unlawful copying and use” of its valuable content in AI models such as ChatGPT and Copilot.
The Times argues that the widespread use of its articles in AI training could have significant societal consequences, leading to a decline in independent journalism production. In response, OpenAI expressed surprise and disappointment, emphasizing its commitment to working collaboratively with content creators. The dispute highlights the ongoing tension between generative AI vendors and content creators regarding fair use and the legality of web scraping practices.
This legal conflict is part of a broader trend, with numerous lawsuits emerging against AI vendors like Meta and OpenAI. The Times’ complaint also draws attention to potential inaccuracies in AI-generated content, citing instances where Microsoft’s Bing Chat (now Copilot) provided incorrect information attributed to The Times.
The lawsuit underscores the impact on the news subscription business, as generative AI models are accused of creating substitutes for news publishers and diverting audiences. The case parallels other legal battles in the tech industry, including claims against Google for anticompetitive practices related to AI experiments.
While some publishers have opted for licensing agreements with AI vendors, The New York Times asserts that attempts to negotiate such an arrangement with Microsoft and OpenAI were unsuccessful. The outcome of this legal dispute may set a precedent for the relationship between content creators and AI developers in the ongoing debate over intellectual property rights and fair use in the age of advanced AI technology.
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