News Corp and OpenAI Form Licensing Partnership for Chatbot Content

News Corp and OpenAI Form Licensing Partnership for Chatbot Content

News Corp and OpenAI have formed a licensing partnership, allowing OpenAI to use content from News Corp’s media profile, including publications like The Wall Street Journal and Barron’s. This partnership comes as other media organizations have either pursued legal action or entered into licensing deals with AI companies over alleged copyright material usage in training chatbots.

The agreement between News Corp and OpenAI grants the tech company permission to display content from News Corp mastheads in response to chatbot queries. The ultimate goal is to provide people with reliable information that helps them make informed choices. In addition to the content licensing, News Corp will also provide “journalistic expertise” to OpenAI to ensure quality control and uphold journalistic standards.

CEO Robert Thomson believes that this partnership will set new standards for accuracy, virtue, and value in the digital age. He expresses enthusiasm for working with OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman, who understand the importance of journalism. Altman, in turn, states that the partnership is a proud moment for journalism and technology and emphasizes their joint commitment to upholding world-class journalistic standards.

News Corp has been hinting at this collaboration for some time, with Thomson mentioning an upcoming partnership during shareholder calls. Earlier this year, he expressed News Corp’s intention to be a core content provider for generative AI companies that require high-quality, timely content. However, Thomson also cautions about the potential risks of AI, urging that it should stand for “authentic and authenticated intelligence” rather than artificial intelligence or the artifice of intelligence.

This partnership places News Corp among media organizations, such as The AP, DotDash Meredith, and Axel Springer, that have chosen to partner with AI companies through licensing agreements. On the other hand, The New York Times has taken a different approach and filed a lawsuit against both Microsoft and OpenAI for copyright infringement. The outcome of this case will likely set a precedent for future AI-related lawsuits involving media and copyright infringement.

Overall, the partnership between News Corp and OpenAI signifies a pivotal moment for the intersection of journalism and technology. It highlights the importance of reliable information in the digital age and the collaboration required to uphold journalistic standards. As the AI landscape continues to evolve, both cautionary measures and beneficial partnerships will shape the future of this transformative technology.


Written By

Jiri Bílek

In the vast realm of AI and U.N. directives, Jiri crafts tales that bridge tech divides. With every word, he champions a world where machines serve all, harmoniously.