Generative AI Training Sparks A Copyright Clash Between The NY Times And OpenAI

2023 is about to bid adieu – what a year it's been right?

From tech breakthroughs like the launch of gen AI tools like Pika 1.0 and healthcare giants joining forces for regulated AI revolution to the emergence of open-source large language models and Deloitte using AI for reducing layoffs - 2023 has had its fair share of surprises when it comes to Artificial Intelligence. In fact, 2023 is being dubbed the year of Gen AI!

As 2023 is about to close its chapter, a legal tussle has stirred between The New York Times and tech giants OpenAI and Microsoft. So, what’s the latest AI drama about?

Well, according to the latest news The New York Times claims its content fueled the engines behind ChatGPT and Microsoft's Copilot without permission, violating copyright laws.

The NY Times isn't wasting any time in this legal bout — it demands not just the destruction of AI models built on its material but also billions in damages. “If The Times and other news organizations cannot produce and protect their independent journalism, there will be a vacuum that no computer or artificial intelligence can fill,” reads The Times’ complaint. “Less journalism will be produced, and the cost to society will be enormous.”

TechDogs-"A Screengrab Showing The New York Times Office."

Source

Now you might be wondering why this whole fuss happened:

The crux of the issue lies in how generative AI models learn—they absorb examples, scouring the web for texts ranging from the public domain to copyright.

Vendors argue for fair use but news outlets are fighting back, erecting barriers to prevent their content from being harvested for AI training.

“Defendants seek to free-ride on The Times’s massive investment in its journalism,” the complaint says, accusing OpenAI and Microsoft of “using The Times’s content without payment to create products that substitute for The Times and steal audiences away from it.”

This clash isn't new—similar battles have surfaced earlier. Actress Sarah Silverman and renowned novelists joined lawsuits, accusing tech giants of using their work without consent. The saga extends to programmers, too, contesting the origins of AI-powered code generators.

However, The Times' case stands out; it's the heavyweight publisher wading into this legal arena, stressing not just infringement but the generation of false information that damages their brand. Instances where AI engines provided erroneous data sourced from The Times add weight to their argument.

Hmmm… Seems like OpenAI and Microsoft are in for a rough time heading into 2024. So, what has been OpenAI’s response to this whole debate?

In response, OpenAI expressed surprise, highlighting their commitment to working with content creators. They stressed ongoing efforts to find common ground with The New York Times, much like collaborations with other publishers.

According to OpenAI’s Spokesperson, “We respect the rights of content creators and owners and are committed to working with them to ensure they benefit from AI technology and new revenue models. Our ongoing conversations with The New York Times have been productive and moving forward constructively, so we are surprised and disappointed with this development. We’re hopeful that we will find a mutually beneficial way to work together, as we are doing with many other publishers.”

Moreover, The Times alleges these AI models act as news substitutes, attracting audiences away from their platform by providing information behind paywalls without proper attribution or the necessary affiliate links that support their revenue.

This clash isn't just about legal jargon; it's a clash of visions—the balance between AI innovation and safeguarding original content. As the year draws to a close, the outcome of these battles could reshape the landscape for news outlets and AI vendors alike, impacting how information is created, protected and disseminated in the digital age.

Do you think this lawsuit is a timely reminder for the need to develop stricter copyright laws?

Drop your thoughts in the comments section below and we shall see you in 2024!

First published on Fri, Dec 29, 2023

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Artificial Intelligence (AI)The New York Times ChatGPT OpenAI Microsoft Copyright Copyright Law

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