Seattle Times and Newsday Sue OpenAI and Microsoft Over AI Training on Their Journalism
Summarized by AI from reporting by TechCrunch AI, published under our editorial policy.
The Seattle Times and Newsday have filed lawsuits against OpenAI and Microsoft, alleging the companies used their copyrighted journalism to train AI models without permission or compensation. The cases seek damages and an injunction, joining a wave of similar legal actions from major publishers.
Key takeaways
- The Seattle Times and Newsday have sued OpenAI and Microsoft for alleged unauthorized use of their content to train AI models.
- These lawsuits follow similar actions by The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal against the same companies.
- The plaintiffs seek damages and an injunction to prevent further unauthorized use of their journalistic content.
The Seattle Times and Newsday have filed lawsuits against OpenAI and Microsoft, alleging that the companies used their journalistic content to train AI models without proper authorization or compensation. This legal action follows a growing trend of media organizations challenging the use of their work in developing AI technologies.
Lawsuits Allege Unauthorized Use of Articles to Train ChatGPT and Other AI Systems
The lawsuits, filed on September 5, 2026, claim that OpenAI and Microsoft scraped and used articles from the Seattle Times and Newsday to train their AI models, including ChatGPT and other AI systems. The plaintiffs argue that this use of their content infringes on copyright laws and undermines the value of original journalism. The Seattle Times and Newsday are seeking damages and an injunction to prevent further unauthorized use of their content.
Similar Lawsuits Filed by The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal Earlier This Year
This lawsuit is part of a larger wave of legal challenges from media organizations against AI companies. Earlier this year, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal filed similar lawsuits against OpenAI and Microsoft, alleging copyright infringement and misuse of their journalistic content. These cases highlight the ongoing tension between the media industry and AI developers over the ethical and legal use of copyrighted material.
What the Outcome Could Mean for News Readers
For readers, this lawsuit underscores the importance of understanding how AI models are trained and the potential impact on the quality and availability of news. If AI companies are found to have used copyrighted material without permission, it could lead to higher costs for news consumption or even the disappearance of certain publications. It also raises questions about the future of journalism in an era where AI is increasingly involved in content creation and distribution.
How to Stay Informed About Your Favorite News Sources and AI
If you're concerned about the use of your favorite news sources in AI training, you can take a few steps. First, check if your preferred news outlets have publicly stated their stance on AI usage. For example, you can visit the websites of the Seattle Times and Newsday to see any updates or statements regarding their legal actions. Additionally, you can support independent journalism by subscribing to or donating to news organizations that prioritize ethical practices.
Frequently asked
- What are the Seattle Times and Newsday suing OpenAI and Microsoft for?
- They are suing for alleged unauthorized use of their journalistic content to train AI models, claiming copyright infringement.
- How does this lawsuit affect readers?
- It highlights the potential impact on the quality and availability of news, as well as the future of journalism in the AI era.