AI News: Eight Newspapers File Copyright Lawsuit Against OpenAI, Microsoft

Kelvin Munene Murithi
April 30, 2024
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Highlights

  • Eight major newspapers sue OpenAI, Microsoft over AI training use.
  • Lawsuit claims misuse of millions of copyrighted articles.
  • Publishers seek jury trial, compensation for alleged infringements.

Eight major U.S. newspapers have filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft, claiming they have violated copyright laws.

The lawsuit was filed in the Southern District of New York and contends that the companies took copyrighted material from these newspapers without permission to train their artificial intelligence (AI) products, such as ChatGPT and Microsoft’s Copilot.

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Details of the Lawsuit

The plaintiffs in the case involve The New York Daily News, The Chicago Tribune, The Orlando Sentinel, The Sun Sentinel of Florida, The San Jose Mercury News, The Denver Post, The Orange County Register, and The St. Paul Pioneer Press. 

These newspapers, under the management of the the MediaNews Group and Tribune Publishing subsidiaries of Alden Global Capital, allege that millions of their copyrighted articles were used to train the AI models developed by OpenAI and Microsoft. The legal action does not state any specific monetary damages; rather, it focuses on the necessity of compensatory measures and a jury trial.

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Allegations Against AI Practices

The complaint underscores a growing concern among news publishers that their content is being utilized without proper compensation or acknowledgment, potentially undermining traditional news platforms.

According to the lawsuit, the AI models not only use copyrighted text but also sometimes generate outputs that misattribute or distort information, which could harm the publishers’ credibility and revenue streams.

According to the publishers, AI-generated responses usually reproduce the content word for word from the journals stored behind the paywalls without even linking back to the original sites. This habit could lead to the reduction of the demand for the direct subscriptions, affecting the financial state of those publications.

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Response from OpenAI and Microsoft

As for the latest lawsuit, however, OpenAI and Microsoft have not yet responded, although in some previous cases, such as the New York Times, they have defended their actions. The companies claim that teaching AI models with internet-derived data is legal, finding comparisons with how other types of media utilize copyrighted content using fair use provisions.

They argue that the AI tools provide a revolutionary application and ought to be perceived as a technological progress rather than the replacement of human generated content.

The lawsuit is in the context of a wider inspection of ethical use of copyrighted materials in training AI models. The issue led to a multitude of responses in the media landscape as some publishers decided to negotiate with tech companies directly. For example, The Financial Times recently reached an agreement with OpenAI, setting a precedent for potential licensing arrangements.

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Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
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Why Trust CoinGape

CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights Read more…to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.

About Author
About Author
Kelvin Munene is a crypto and finance journalist with over 5 years of experience, offering in-depth market analysis and expert commentary . With a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Actuarial Science from Mount Kenya University, Kelvin is known for his meticulous research and strong writing skills, particularly in cryptocurrency, blockchain, and financial markets. His work has been featured across top industry publications such as Coingape, Cryptobasic, MetaNews, Cryptotimes, Coinedition, TheCoinrepublic, Cryptotale, and Analytics Insight among others, where he consistently provides timely updates and insightful content. Kelvin’s focus lies in uncovering emerging trends in the crypto space, delivering factual and data-driven analyses that help readers make informed decisions. His expertise extends across market cycles, technological innovations, and regulatory shifts that shape the crypto landscape. Beyond his professional achievements, Kelvin has a passion for chess, traveling, and exploring new adventures.
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.