The company that made ChatGPT, an AI startup, is in trouble with The New York Times. They are accused of copying someone else’s work without permission.
According to sources, OpenAI has been quietly talking with many publishers to get permission to use their content and train its AI models. But last week, the Times filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft for using Times articles without asking for permission.
OpenAI says it is not really copying whole articles, but just using small parts to teach its models. However, the Times don’t seem to believe it. In fact, according to them, ChatGPT repeats whole paragraphs from Times articles, which shows OpenAI is stealing their work.
This legal fight is a big danger to OpenAI’s future. If the Times wins, OpenAI might have to pay billions in damages and destroy any training information with Times material. That’s a big job that could slow down the growth of its AI systems.
It’s not surprising that Tom Rubin, who is in charge of IP at OpenAI, is trying to fix things by saying these deals are “going well.” But this fight with the Times makes it more difficult. Other companies will not easily give content to an AI company being attacked for stealing from one of the biggest newspapers in the world.
So, what do you think? Does OpenAI have permission to use published content without asking first? Do the Times have a reason to blame others of taking away the hard work of their journalists? This fight brings up big issues about copyright and creativity in the age of AI.
There is no doubt about the fact that both sides have a lot to lose here. The Times is protecting its territory, while OpenAI wants to keep teaching smarter AI without facing lawsuits. This battle isn’t over yet, people. Let’s see if they can agree or if this case goes to court. Well, for now the future of AI is still unsure!
