The New York Times has signed its first generative AI licensing deal with Amazon, allowing the tech company to use its content to train AI models. This move signifies a notable shift for the newspaper, especially in light of its lawsuit against OpenAI for copyright violation. The agreement may reshape how The Times engages with emerging technology and influence its financial prospects.
The New York Times has officially entered into a licensing agreement with Amazon, allowing the tech giant to use its journalistic content for training artificial intelligence models. This announcement came out Thursday, marking The Times’ first move into the generative AI realm, after having previously resisted collaborations with tech companies when it comes to their content.
Interestingly, while other media groups have established similar partnerships, The New York Times’ earlier stance was one of caution, especially amid rising concerns over copyright issues. Now, with this deal, Amazon is expected to integrate this content into its Alexa voice assistant.
Complications don’t end with Amazon; The New York Times is currently involved in a legal battle against OpenAI, accusing it of copyright infringement for allegedly using its articles to train the ChatGPT model without proper consent. This ongoing lawsuit adds an interesting layer of tension as the newspaper pivots towards embracing AI advancements.
Details surrounding the financial aspects of the agreement have yet to be disclosed. However, Meredith Kopit Levien, the CEO of The Times, emphasized in a memo to staff that this deal reflects their commitment to recognizing and monetizing quality journalism. “The deal is consistent with our long-held principle that high-quality journalism is worth paying for,” she stated.
Following the news of this deal, The New York Times’ shares surged, increasing by 1.85 percent on the New York Stock Exchange around 1345 GMT and inching closer to their historic high from early December. This surge shows investor optimism about how the partnership could boost the company’s role in the evolving media landscape.
At the same time, media outlets worldwide are grappling with the implications of artificial intelligence as it increasingly transforms the informational sphere. Major players like News Corp, which owns The Wall Street Journal, and the French media outlet Le Monde, have already partnered with OpenAI. Meanwhile, the Associated Press has forged a similar relationship with Google, and Agence France-Presse is working with French AI startup Mistral.
As AI technology becomes more entrenched in media practices, these partnerships may serve as vital steps for traditional journalism in staying relevant and financially viable. Indeed, navigating this new terrain will require more media organizations to reconsider their strategies and embrace change, lest they be left behind as the digital landscape continues to shift.
In summary, The New York Times has made a significant move by partnering with Amazon to license its content for AI use, showing a shift from prior refusal. This deal contrasts sharply with its ongoing lawsuit against OpenAI for copyright infringement. As the media landscape rapidly transforms due to AI, this agreement could signal a new era for The Times, potentially enhancing its market position while also raising larger questions about the future of journalism.
Original Source: www.thejakartapost.com
