The New York Times has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft, alleging copyright infringements. The lawsuit asserts that the AI technology developed by these companies unlawfully copied millions of Times reports to train ChatGPT and other similar systems, enabling quick information access for users. This legal action is part of a broader effort to curb the unauthorized scraping of online content to train large language AI models.
Among various concerns raised by actors, writers, and creators who share their work online, the fear of AI exploiting their ideas to create chatbots or other content sources without compensation is prominent. The Times’ lawsuit specifically targets OpenAI and Microsoft, two prominent players in the AI industry. Microsoft, a stakeholder in OpenAI, has heavily invested in the company.
The Times argues that it is obligated to notify its subscribers of potential infringements but faces challenges due to the alleged unauthorized use of its content by Microsoft and OpenAI. Despite attempts to negotiate with the companies for fair compensation and terms of use, the Times claims that an amicable resolution was not reached. The lawsuit challenges the notion that the companies’ actions fall under “fair use” of copyrighted material for transformative purposes.
The Times emphasizes that using its content without permission to develop competing products undermines its investment in journalism. The lawsuit aims to halt the reported violations, seek substantial damages, and ensure the destruction of AI models or datasets that utilize Times’ content without authorization.
In response to the growing influence of AI in journalism and content creation, the Times acknowledges the potential benefits of generative AI while advocating for fair compensation and respect for intellectual property rights. The lawsuit reflects a broader trend where content creators seek to balance the opportunities presented by AI with the protection of their creative works.
