A coalition consisting of five prominent Canadian media outlets has initiated a lawsuit against OpenAI, the creator of the AI chatbot, ChatGPT. They allege that the company unlawfully utilized their copyrighted content, marking a significant event in Canada and potentially impacting how copyright laws are interpreted in the context of artificial intelligence.
The major organizations involved in the suit include the Globe and Mail, the Toronto Star, and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). They have collectively filed their case in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, arguing that their content was unjustly scraped and used to train OpenAI’s models.
In terms of damages, the plaintiffs are pursuing a staggering total that could reach billions of dollars, as they are requesting CAD 20,000 (approximately USD 14,700) for each article in question that they believe was misappropriated. Furthermore, the media companies seek a portion of any profits resulting from OpenAI's alleged misuse of their intellectual property and are demanding that the company cease such practices immediately.
This lawsuit is notable not only for its potential financial implications but also as it represents a broader movement among media organizations. It echoes recent legal actions taken by The New York Times in the United States, which have also raised concerns about significant copyright infringements related to AI systems like ChatGPT.
A spokesperson for OpenAI, although not having reviewed the specific allegations, stated the company intends to defend its practices, claiming their models are developed with publicly available data aligned with principles of fair use and copyright laws aimed at fostering innovation.
This case could set a significant legal precedent in the ongoing discourse around AI ethics, copyright, and the relationship between traditional media and emerging technologies.
