Justice Department Supports OpenAI in Copyright Battle with The New York Times

The ongoing legal dispute between OpenAI and The New York Times has gained traction as the Trump administration has voiced its support for OpenAI's position. On September 1, 2026, the Justice Department filed court documents asserting that the use of extensive online content for training AI models falls under the 'fair use' clause of copyright law.

The Department emphasized the potential for innovation and public good that arises from training large language models with such data, suggesting that the benefits significantly outweigh any competitive disadvantages for traditional publishers. They argued that restricting AI companies from using this content could impede economic progress and creative advancement in the U.S.

In its response, The New York Times criticized the administration's stance, claiming that it favors large AI firms at the expense of individual creators whose work is being appropriated without compensation. According to Graham James, a spokesperson for The Times, the administration's proposal would threaten the viability of journalism and the broader ecosystem of content creation.

The lawsuit initiated by The Times in 2023 alleges that OpenAI has compromised the livelihoods of journalists by using their articles, sometimes reproducing them verbatim, to enhance its AI capabilities. The risk to news organizations intensified in 2024 when Google began featuring AI-generated summaries prominently in search results, diverting crucial ad revenue from original content sources.

Several other media entities have joined The Times in this legal battle, including the Chicago Tribune and the Center for Investigative Reporting. Additionally, various authors, including comedian Sarah Silverman, have filed lawsuits against OpenAI, claiming their works were utilized without consent in the AI's training process.

Source: www.thehindu.com