4:05 pm - March 21, 2025
A newspaper owner criticises OpenAI’s proposals for lenient training rules on copyrighted material, advocating for stronger copyright protections.
A newspaper conglomerate is urging the US government to safeguard copyright protections in response to proposals from OpenAI regarding the training of generative artificial intelligence models. The conglomerate, comprising MediaNews and Tribune Publishing, both of which are predominantly owned by Alden Global Capital, issued an editorial that appeared in over 60 daily newspapers, denouncing OpenAI’s approach as “absurd.”
The controversy arises from the practice of major AI developers in training their models on a wide array of protected works without acquiring permission from the rights holders. These companies assert that such practices fall under the category of fair use, a claim that has come under scrutiny in the music industry and other creative fields. OpenAI, facing growing criticism, has recently submitted a 15-page response to the U.S. government’s ongoing AI Action Plan, arguing for a regulatory environment that would allow more lenient training rules regarding copyrighted material.
OpenAI stated that “the federal government can both secure Americans’ freedom to learn from AI” while ensuring the United States retains its competitive edge over nations such as China. The company contended that maintaining a robust framework for AI training on copyrighted works is critical for innovation and investment in the sector and labelled strict copyright regulations as hindrances to the growth of AI operations.
The newspaper conglomerate’s editorial pushes back against OpenAI’s assertions, which associate relaxed copyright rules with national security. The documents from the conglomerate describe OpenAI’s proposal to alter copyright protections as potentially damaging, asserting that “gutt[ing] generations of copyright protections for the benefit of AI bots would have a chilling effect not just on news organisations but on all creative content creators.”
Furthermore, the conglomerate advocates for fair compensation and the necessity of obtaining permission from rights holders, positioning it as an ethical obligation integral to the American ethos. The call for the government to reject the “self-serving proposals” made by OpenAI reflects a broader sentiment within the creative community regarding the importance of protecting intellectual property rights.
The music industry — among the most vocal opponents of generative AI’s training practices — largely agrees that using copyrighted works without the consent of rights holders is unjust. However, the future remains uncertain as to how courts will interpret these practices in light of existing copyright laws and the rapid evolution of AI technology.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.courthousenews.com/group-of-daily-newspapers-hit-microsoft-and-openai-with-copyright-suit-over-ai/ – This article supports the claim that newspapers are suing OpenAI and Microsoft for copyright infringement due to the unauthorized use of their articles in training AI models. It highlights the legal actions taken by MediaNews Group and Tribune Publishing.
- https://www.thewrap.com/open-ai-license-to-steal-alden-newspapers-copyright/ – This article corroborates the editorial stance of Alden Global Capital’s newspapers against OpenAI’s proposals to loosen copyright protections. It details the editorial’s criticism of OpenAI’s approach as a ‘license to steal’ copyrighted material.
- https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/404346/license-to-steal-alden-global-capital-lashes-out – This article explains how Alden Global Capital is using its newspapers to criticize OpenAI and Google for seeking to loosen copyright laws, framing it as an attempt to ‘steal’ copyrighted content.
- https://www.courthousenews.com/group-of-daily-newspapers-hit-microsoft-and-openai-with-copyright-suit-over-ai/ – This article further supports the claim that OpenAI’s practices are under scrutiny, with lawsuits from various media outlets accusing the company of mass copyright infringement.
- https://www.thewrap.com/open-ai-license-to-steal-alden-newspapers-copyright/ – This article highlights OpenAI’s argument that using copyrighted material is necessary for maintaining U.S. leadership in AI, which is contested by media companies.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative is recent, referencing ongoing discussions and proposals from OpenAI in 2025. However, it does not contain specific dates for all events mentioned.
Quotes check
Score:
6
Notes:
Direct quotes are provided, but their original sources or dates are not specified. This makes it difficult to verify their authenticity or first use.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from Digital Music News, a known publication in the music industry. However, it may not be as widely recognized for general news as major outlets like BBC or Reuters.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about OpenAI and copyright issues are plausible given current debates around AI and intellectual property. The narrative aligns with known concerns in the creative industries.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is generally plausible and recent, addressing ongoing issues with AI and copyright. While the quotes lack specific sources, the overall context is consistent with current debates. The source is reliable within its niche, contributing to a high confidence level.
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