The New York Times has filed a federal lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft, alleging that they have been unlawfully using the newspaper’s work to train chatbots. The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of New York, aims to put an end to the practice of using The Times’s stories to develop artificial intelligence products that compete with the newspaper. The Times claims that this unauthorized use of its content threatens its ability to provide its services. OpenAI and Microsoft have not yet commented on the lawsuit.
As media organizations struggle with a decline in readership and the rise of online platforms, artificial intelligence technology has further compounded their challenges. Artificial intelligence companies scrape publicly available information, including articles from media organizations, to train generative AI chatbots. This development has attracted significant investments, creating a disruptive force in various industries, including media.
The New York Times has not specified the damages it is seeking in the lawsuit but asserts that it wants the defendants to be held responsible for the unlawful copying and use of its valuable works, both for statutory and actual damages. In the complaint, the newspaper accuses Microsoft and OpenAI of benefiting from The Times’s extensive investments in journalism without permission or compensation.
This lawsuit follows apparent breakdowns in negotiations between The New York Times, Microsoft, and OpenAI. The Times had raised concerns about the use of its intellectual property and sought a resolution on the matter since April. The newspaper aimed to ensure fair compensation, support a healthy news ecosystem, and promote responsible development of generative AI technology. However, these talks failed to yield a resolution, leading to the filing of the lawsuit.
The collaboration between OpenAI and The Associated Press to license the news agency’s archive of news stories was announced in July. However, The New York Times emphasizes that it has never authorized the use of its content for generative AI purposes.
In this lawsuit, The Times seeks to protect its intellectual property rights and assert its value in the face of emerging technologies. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for the relationship between media organizations and artificial intelligence companies. As the lawsuit progresses, it remains to be seen how the court will address the issue and determine the responsibilities and obligations of technology companies in using media content.
Overall, the lawsuit filed by The New York Times against OpenAI and Microsoft demonstrates the growing tension between media organizations and artificial intelligence companies. It highlights the need to address the unauthorized use of copyrighted material and opens up discussions on fair compensation for content creators in the age of AI.
