The New York Times has initiated a lawsuit against tech behemoths OpenAI and Microsoft, alleging unauthorized use of its journalistic content. This significant move marks the first instance of a major American media outlet challenging the tech companies on copyright grounds.
The complaint, lodged in a Manhattan federal court, contends that OpenAI and Microsoft have capitalized on The Times’s extensive journalistic endeavors without proper authorization, aiming to offer readers an alternative information source. The Times argues that there is a clear breach, as their content has been used to train AI chatbots, potentially diverting readership away from the original source.
Fair Use Controversy
The central debate revolves around the concept of ‘fair use’—a principle OpenAI and Microsoft cite to justify their actions. However, The Times disputes this claim, suggesting that the tech companies’ use of their content is far from transformative and instead serves as a direct substitute for their own services.
Damages and Demands
While not specifying an exact figure, The Times estimates damages could reach into the billions and is calling for the destruction of all AI models and training data that include their copyrighted material.
Despite the pending litigation, OpenAI has expressed that prior discussions with The New York Times were progressing constructively. The company voices its respect for content creators’ rights and expresses surprise at the lawsuit’s timing.