Historic NYT v. OpenAI copyright battle heats up
A ruling in favor of the Times could wreak havoc on the lucrative business models underpinning the AI industry.
TL;DR
- The New York Times filed a copyright lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft in 2023.
- The Times argues that AI models were built by copying its works at scale, creating commercial substitutes.
- OpenAI and Microsoft claim that using publicly available works to train AI is legal 'fair use' and transformative.
- The Times differentiates its case, arguing AI outputs directly compete with its journalism, unlike in previous rulings.
- The Justice Department has filed a brief supporting OpenAI, stating AI training provides a public benefit.
- A judge will decide if the case proceeds to trial, with potential implications for the AI and publishing industries.