arstechnica.com 27 days ago URGENCY: 7/10

NYT Accuses Microsoft of Copyright Infringement

The New York Times has amended its copyright complaint against OpenAI and Microsoft, alleging that Microsoft built a supercomputer to facilitate copyright infringement. This legal battle raises critical questions about the future of AI and copyright laws.

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NYT Accuses Microsoft of Copyright Infringement

In a recent court filing, The New York Times (NYT) has intensified its legal battle against OpenAI and Microsoft, claiming that the tech giant actively encouraged copyright infringement by developing a powerful supercomputer. This move comes in light of a Supreme Court ruling that has shifted the burden of proof in contributory infringement cases, prompting NYT to amend its complaint to align with the new legal standards.

The NYT argues that Microsoft’s actions have directly harmed its business by allowing OpenAI to train its AI models on copyrighted material without permission. Key points from the complaint include:

  • Allegations that ChatGPT outputs articles verbatim, infringing on NYT's copyrights.
  • Claims that the AI positions itself as a substitute for NYT subscriptions, causing market harm.
  • Accusations that AI-generated summaries of Wirecutter reviews have led to lost affiliate commissions for writers.
As the legal landscape evolves, this case could set significant precedents for how AI interacts with copyright laws, making it a pivotal moment for both the media and tech industries.