Seattle Times and Newsday Sue OpenAI and Microsoft for Copyright Infringement Over AI Training Data
Summarized by AI from reporting by The Verge AI, published under our editorial policy.
The Seattle Times and Newsday have filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft, alleging that their journalism was used to train AI models without permission and that the models reproduce copyrighted passages verbatim. This lawsuit follows similar claims from other major media outlets.

Key takeaways
- The Seattle Times and Newsday have filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft for alleged copyright infringement.
- The lawsuit claims that the companies used the plaintiffs' journalism as training data for AI models without permission.
- This lawsuit follows similar claims from other media outlets, highlighting the growing tension between AI companies and traditional media.
The Seattle Times and Newsday have filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft, alleging that the companies used their journalism as training data for AI models without permission. The lawsuit also claims that the AI models often reproduce passages from their reporting in response to user queries.
The Specifics of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit alleges that OpenAI and Microsoft used the plaintiffs' journalism to train their AI models, including the popular ChatGPT and Bing AI. The plaintiffs claim that this use of their content was done without permission and constitutes copyright infringement. The lawsuit also highlights that the AI models frequently reproduce passages from the plaintiffs' reporting, which further exacerbates the issue.
This lawsuit is not the first of its kind. Other media outlets, such as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, have also filed similar lawsuits against OpenAI and Microsoft. These lawsuits collectively highlight the growing tension between AI companies and traditional media outlets over the use of copyrighted material.
Why It Matters to Everyday People
For everyday people, this lawsuit underscores the broader implications of AI development on copyright and intellectual property. If AI companies continue to use copyrighted material without permission, it could set a precedent that undermines the rights of content creators. This could affect not only journalists but also artists, musicians, and other creators who rely on copyright protection.
Moreover, the lawsuit raises questions about the transparency of AI training data. If AI models are trained on copyrighted material without proper attribution, it could lead to a lack of trust in the technology. This could impact how people use and interact with AI in the future.
What You Can Do Today
If you are concerned about the use of copyrighted material in AI training, you can take a few steps. First, you can stay informed about the ongoing lawsuits and their outcomes. This will help you understand how the legal landscape is evolving. Second, you can support media outlets and other content creators who are advocating for stronger copyright protections. Finally, you can use AI tools responsibly and be mindful of the content you generate and share.
For example, if you use OpenAI's ChatGPT, you can be cautious about the information you input and ensure that you are not reproducing copyrighted material without permission. You can also explore alternative AI tools that prioritize ethical and transparent use of training data.
Frequently asked
- Is this the first lawsuit of its kind?
- No, this is not the first lawsuit of its kind. Other media outlets, such as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, have also filed similar lawsuits against OpenAI and Microsoft.
- What can everyday people do to support stronger copyright protections?
- Everyday people can stay informed about ongoing lawsuits, support media outlets advocating for stronger copyright protections, and use AI tools responsibly.