July 4th, 2024

OpenAI Wants New York Times to Show How Original Its Copyrighted Articles Are

OpenAI requests New York Times' materials for copyright assessment amid infringement claim. Times objects to broad approach, fearing chilling effect. Legal battle showcases AI-copyright tension.

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OpenAI Wants New York Times to Show How Original Its Copyrighted Articles Are

OpenAI is requesting source materials from the New York Times to assess the originality of its copyrighted articles amid a multi-million dollar copyright infringement claim. The Times objects to OpenAI's broad approach, fearing a chilling effect. Various rightsholders, including the Times, are suing AI developers for allegedly using their work without proper compensation. OpenAI seeks to consolidate its case with others but faces resistance. The dispute has led to a motion to compel the Times to cooperate in providing evidence to counter copyright claims. The Times refuses, arguing that copyrightability is determined by the work itself, not underlying notes. They claim OpenAI's requests are overbroad and could hinder journalistic freedom. OpenAI's pursuit of source information aims to distinguish original content from non-original parts in the articles. The Times suggests OpenAI's request may aim to create a chilling effect on journalism. The legal battle highlights the tension between AI development and copyright protection in the digital age.

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By @dehrmann - 3 months
I find this interesting because the NYT is saying it's work is original and copyrightable, and OpenAI is saying "ok, prove it."
By @rurban - 3 months
So the tactics seem to stem from this https://web.archive.org/web/20240114171420/https://www.texas... "lawsuit from hell", tiring out the publishers.
By @techostritch - 3 months
I wonder if the inevitable conclusion of this is further consolidation so like openai buys Reuters or something - AI companies end up also becoming the publishing companies because the only way to make money off of novel material is if it’s no there for all the AI companies to scrape up.