New York Times is Suing the Models

​STOP THE PRESSES
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The New York Times has taken legal action against OpenAI and Microsoft, filing a federal lawsuit in the Southern District of New York. The newspaper alleges that OpenAI and Microsoft are engaging in the "unlawful use" of its stories to train chatbots, creating artificial intelligence (AI) products that compete with the Times and jeopardize its ability to provide services.

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​​The lawsuit reflects the broader challenge faced by media organizations in the digital age, where a shift of readers to online platforms has already impacted traditional revenue models.

​Artificial intelligence technology, particularly in the form of generative AI chatbots, poses a new threat by scraping information from online sources, including media articles, to train and enhance their capabilities. The rapid influx of investments into AI companies further underscores the urgency of addressing these concerns.

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While the Times did not specify the damages it is seeking, the legal action aims to hold OpenAI and Microsoft accountable for the alleged "unlawful copying and use" of the newspaper's valuable content. The complaint contends that Microsoft and OpenAI are leveraging the Times's substantial investments in journalism without payment or permission, essentially benefiting from the newspaper's intellectual property to build AI products.

​​This isn't the first time something like this has happened. Xerox dealt with similar...
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Notably, the lawsuit follows the breakdown of negotiations between the New York Times and the two technology companies. The newspaper had initiated talks in April, expressing concerns about the unauthorized use of its intellectual property. Throughout the negotiations, the Times aimed to ensure fair compensation for the use of its content, foster a sustainable news ecosystem, and contribute to the responsible development of generative AI technology for the benefit of society.

Despite these efforts, a resolution was not reached, prompting the legal action. The Times underscores that it had never given permission for the use of its content for generative AI purposes, distinguishing its stance from the licensing deal between OpenAI and The Associated Press, which was announced in July.
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This lawsuit raises significant questions about the intersection of media, intellectual property, and artificial intelligence. It highlights the tension between the technological advancements driven by AI companies and the rights of media organizations to control the use of their content.

​This lawsuit raises significant questions about the intersection of media, intellectual property, and artificial intelligence. It highlights the tension between the technological advancements driven by AI companies and the rights of media organizations to control the use of their content. ​

The outcome of this legal battle could have far-reaching implications for the evolving landscape of AI development and its relationship with traditional media outlets. As technology continues to reshape industries, the case underscores the importance of establishing fair practices and agreements to navigate the intersection of journalism and artificial intelligence responsibly.
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