WIRED spoke with employees at a leading media outlet who revealed their shock and lack of knowledge about OpenAI’s recent deal with their parent company, Axel Springer. The multi-year licensing agreement allows OpenAI to incorporate articles from Axel Springer-owned outlets like Business Insider and Politico into its products, including ChatGPT. Reporters whose stories will be shared were not consulted or informed beforehand, raising concerns about the use of their work without their consent.
The agreement between OpenAI and Axel Springer highlights a growing trend of AI companies seeking data licensing deals with media companies. While OpenAI previously relied on scraping the internet for training data, this practice has led to legal challenges regarding copyright infringement. By paying for the integration of news stories, OpenAI is embracing a new approach and signaling its preparedness for a future where scraping may become less effective. Other media outlets are also engaging in talks with AI companies to secure their own licensing agreements.
The lack of consultation with journalists has sparked criticism from the affected staff and their union representatives. Business Insider employees only learned about the AI deal when it was announced publicly, and POLITICO’s union claims it was not consulted or informed about the decision to use their work for summarization by AI.
The increasing use of AI in the media industry has prompted companies like OpenAI to find legal ways to access copyrighted materials. Through the licensing agreement with Axel Springer, OpenAI is obtaining permission to utilize journalistic content, indicating a shift towards a more lawful approach. It is worth noting that several news outlets have already taken steps to block OpenAI’s web crawler in an effort to prevent unauthorized scraping.
Indicating the broader interest in data licensing, News Corp. CEO Robert Thomson revealed that his company is in advanced discussions with AI companies about potential licensing agreements. This demonstrates a growing recognition by media outlets and AI companies of the need for mutually beneficial arrangements.
The lack of consultation with journalists raises ethical concerns about the use of their work without consent or compensation, while also emphasizing the importance of protecting copyright in the digital age. As AI continues to play a larger role in the media landscape, transparency and collaboration between AI companies and journalists will be crucial to ensure the fair and responsible use of journalistic content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to the Above News
What is the recent deal between OpenAI and Axel Springer?
The recent deal between OpenAI and Axel Springer is a multi-year licensing agreement that allows OpenAI to incorporate articles from Axel Springer-owned outlets like Business Insider and Politico into its AI products, including ChatGPT.
Why are journalists and media outlets concerned about this deal?
Journalists and media outlets are concerned because they were not consulted or informed beforehand about OpenAI's use of their work. This raises concerns about the use of their content without their consent or compensation.
What approach is OpenAI taking to access copyrighted materials legally?
OpenAI is moving away from scraping the internet for training data, which has led to copyright infringement challenges. Instead, they are entering into licensing agreements with media companies like Axel Springer to obtain permission to utilize copyrighted journalistic content lawfully.
What is the broader trend in the AI industry regarding data licensing with media companies?
The AI industry is increasingly seeking data licensing deals with media companies to access copyrighted materials legally. OpenAI's deal with Axel Springer is an example of this trend, and other media outlets are also engaging in talks with AI companies to secure their own licensing agreements.
How are journalists and their unions responding to the lack of consultation?
Journalists and their unions have criticized the lack of consultation and transparency. Business Insider employees only learned about the AI deal when it was announced publicly, and POLITICO's union claims it was not consulted or informed about the decision to use their work for summarization by AI.
How do news outlets and AI companies recognize the need for licensing agreements?
News outlets and AI companies recognize the need for licensing agreements to establish mutually beneficial arrangements. News Corp. CEO Robert Thomson revealed that his company is in advanced discussions with AI companies about potential licensing agreements, indicating a growing recognition of this need.
Why is transparency and collaboration between AI companies and journalists important?
As AI continues to play a larger role in the media industry, transparency and collaboration between AI companies and journalists are crucial to ensure the fair and responsible use of journalistic content. This helps protect copyright in the digital age and addresses ethical concerns surrounding the use of journalists' work without consent or compensation.
Please note that the FAQs provided on this page are based on the news article published. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is always recommended to consult relevant authorities or professionals before making any decisions or taking action based on the FAQs or the news article.
