Time Enters Deal with OpenAI Amid Fresh Nonprofit Lawsuit

OpenAI and Time have signed a multi-year content agreement, allowing the Artificial Intelligence (AI) company to train its models on Time’s extensive archive. Concurrently, OpenAI and Microsoft face a new lawsuit from the Center for Investigative Reporting over alleged unauthorized use of copyrighted materials for AI training.

Time Partners with OpenAI for AI Training

Time has partnered with OpenAI to license over a century of its content for AI training. This deal, first reported by Axios, is set to enhance OpenAI’s model capabilities using Time’s vast repository of articles and news. In return, Time is expected to receive advanced AI tools and potentially financial compensation, marking a significant collaboration between the tech and media industries.

This agreement is part of OpenAI’s broader strategy to expand its data sources and improve AI models. Access to Time’s historical data will provide a rich dataset for refining AI algorithms, enabling more accurate and diverse outputs. 

Moreover, Time’s involvement in this agreement signifies its strategic move towards embracing advanced technologies. The magazine aims to leverage AI tools to enhance its digital presence and operational efficiency. This partnership will create a symbiotic relationship, benefiting both parties through shared technological advancements.

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Legal Battle Intensifies Over AI and Copyright

While OpenAI is expanding its content partnerships, it faces a new legal challenge from the Center for Investigative Reporting (CIR). The nonprofit organization, which recently merged with Mother Jones and produces the Reveal news site, filed a lawsuit against OpenAI in New York on June 27. The lawsuit alleges unauthorized use of CIR’s copyrighted materials for AI model training without permission or compensation.

CIR’s CEO, Monica Bauerlein, expressed concerns over the implications of such use, describing it as “immensely dangerous” for the journalism industry. Bauerlein emphasized that the unauthorized use of their content undermines the value of their work and threatens the sustainability of their operations. CIR argues that AI-generated news summaries, derived from their copyrighted material, erode the direct relationship between news organizations and their audiences.

This lawsuit joins a growing list of legal actions against OpenAI and Microsoft. Other prominent media organizations, including the New York Times, New York Daily News, Chicago Tribune, and Denver Post, have filed similar lawsuits. These cases highlight a broader industry concern regarding using copyrighted content for AI training and the potential impact on traditional news media.

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