OpenAI has announced a groundbreaking licensing deal with the owner of Politico, Axel Springer, in a move that aims to provide users with summaries of content from major news outlets. This collaboration signifies a notable milestone, as it will offer summaries of articles from Politico, Business Insider, and Bild in response to inquiries made to OpenAI’s artificial intelligence (AI) tool, ChatGPT. OpenAI stated that this collaboration will enhance users’ experience with ChatGPT by incorporating recent and authoritative content on various topics, while also acknowledging the crucial role that publishers play in contributing to OpenAI’s products.
Moreover, this partnership will bolster Axel Springer’s AI-driven initiatives, which utilize content from its media brands to advance OpenAI’s generative AI through training. It represents an opportunity for both entities to leverage the strengths of their respective technologies and content.
OpenAI’s Chief Operating Officer, Brad Lightcap, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating that it will revolutionize people’s access to quality, real-time news content through AI tools. He emphasized OpenAI’s dedication to collaborating with publishers and creators worldwide, ensuring that they benefit from advanced AI technology and new revenue models.
This collaboration follows OpenAI’s previous deal with the Associated Press (AP) five months ago. Under that agreement, OpenAI obtained a license for a portion of AP’s extensive news archive, while AP leveraged OpenAI’s technology and product expertise. The AP, like other news organizations, had previously voiced concerns regarding the use of AI on copyrighted materials. In an August letter jointly signed by industry bodies such as the News/Media Alliance and the European Publishers Council, media companies called for a framework to collectively negotiate with AI model operators regarding the use of their intellectual property. The letter argued that current practices undermine the media industry’s core business models by disseminating content without proper remuneration or attribution to the original creators.
OpenAI’s alliance with Axel Springer demonstrates its recognition of the significance of fact-based, nonpartisan news content, as well as its respect for the intellectual property of news organizations. This partnership not only benefits both entities involved, but also emphasizes the importance of ethical and legal standards in the integration of AI technology within the media industry.
Overall, this collaboration marks a significant step in combining the power of AI with trusted news sources, offering users access to timely, reliable, and comprehensive information. As OpenAI continues to establish meaningful partnerships with publishers and creators, it strives to reshape the way individuals consume news and ensure that the media industry thrives in the evolving technological landscape.
