Sign up to save tools and stay up to date with the latest in AI
bg
bg
1

The New York Times Has Spent $10.8M In Its Legal Battle With OpenAI So Far

Feb 05, 2025 - hollywoodreporter.com
Since the public release of ChatGPT in November 2022, media companies have been navigating their relationships with generative AI firms like OpenAI, which use vast amounts of publicly available data to create content. Many major publishers, such as Dotdash Meredith and News Corp, have opted for licensing deals with OpenAI, receiving substantial payments in exchange for their content. These agreements are seen as beneficial, providing guaranteed revenue amidst the uncertain future of internet advertising. However, The New York Times has taken a different approach, suing OpenAI and Microsoft for allegedly using its content without permission, seeking damages for what it claims is unlawful copying.

The New York Times, supported by its large subscriber base, has incurred significant legal costs in its battle against AI firms, spending $10.8 million on related litigation in 2024. The newspaper's publisher, A.G. Sulzberger, has framed the issue as a principled stand for the rights of news organizations to be compensated for their work and maintain direct relationships with their audiences. OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, has countered this perspective, suggesting that The New York Times is on the wrong side of history regarding the evolving role of AI in media.

Key takeaways:

  • Many major publishers have entered into licensing deals with OpenAI, receiving payments for their content being used to train AI models.
  • The New York Times has taken legal action against OpenAI and Microsoft, claiming unauthorized use of its content for AI development.
  • The New York Times has spent $10.8 million on legal costs related to AI litigation in 2024, highlighting its financial capability to engage in prolonged legal battles.
  • OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, disagrees with The New York Times' stance, suggesting the newspaper is on the wrong side of history regarding AI and content usage.
View Full Article

Comments (0)

Be the first to comment!