The Japan Newspaper Publishers and Editors Association demands tougher regulations to protect news content from unpermitted AI usage.
Japan’s main newspaper association has renewed its demand that generative AI companies seek permission before using journalistic content to train their models, warning that current practices amount to “free-riding” and threaten the sustainability of the country’s news industry.
In a statement issued this week, the Japan Newspaper Publishers and Editors Association raised fresh concerns about the unauthorised use of news content by AI developers. It pointed to Article 30-4 of Japan’s Copyright Law, which permits the use of copyrighted material for machine learning without prior consent, provided the use does not “unreasonably prejudice the interests of the copyright owner.” But the association said this exception was being exploited by companies using journalism to build commercial products without offering compensation or credit to publishers.
The group said this practice risks undermining the financial foundations of news organisations and weakening their ability to hold power to account. It also highlighted the rise of “zero-click searches” – instances where AI-powered services and search engines deliver answers directly to users, often bypassing the original source. This, it warned, could accelerate the erosion of advertising revenue and audience reach.
“If the functions of news organisations deteriorate, the public’s right to know is sure to be hampered,” the statement said.
The association has previously called out major technology companies including Google and Microsoft, urging them to seek consent before using journalistic content in AI-powered search tools that often replicate the structure and substance of original reporting. It is now calling for a review of Japan’s intellectual property laws and the development of a clear legal framework to govern how copyrighted news content is used in AI training.
The statement also referenced repeated instances of AI tools producing inaccurate or misleading information – in some cases, based on the improper reuse of journalistic material. The association said this reinforces the need for AI developers to adhere to standards of accuracy and transparency that mirror those expected in traditional reporting.
Although some Japanese publishers have attempted to signal their disapproval by updating their terms of service or blocking access to AI crawlers, the association said such measures are routinely ignored. It is now urging policymakers to consider comprehensive legal and regulatory measures to protect journalistic work in the digital era.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://asianews.network/japan-newspaper-group-calls-on-ai-companies-to-get-permission-to-use-news-content/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/07/63195d98e74e-japanese-media-say-ai-search-infringes-copyright-urge-legal-reform.html – In July 2024, the Japan Newspaper Publishers and Editors Association (JNPEA) stated that AI-powered search engines from companies like Google and Microsoft may infringe on copyright laws by using news articles without permission. The JNPEA called for these companies to obtain consent from news organizations, as AI-generated responses often closely resemble original articles. They also urged the Japanese government to review and revise intellectual property laws to address these concerns. Additionally, the association highlighted instances where AI search engines returned inaccurate information due to inappropriate reuse or modification of articles, stressing the need for accuracy and reliability in AI services.
- https://en.ajmedia.jp/japanese-media-say-ai-search-infringes-copyright-urge-legal-reform/ – In July 2024, the Japan Newspaper Publishers and Editors Association (JNPEA) expressed concerns that AI-powered search engines from companies like Google and Microsoft might infringe on copyright laws by using news articles without permission. The JNPEA called for these companies to obtain consent from news organizations, as AI-generated responses often closely resemble original articles. They also urged the Japanese government to review and revise intellectual property laws to address these concerns. Additionally, the association highlighted instances where AI search engines returned inaccurate information due to inappropriate reuse or modification of articles, stressing the need for accuracy and reliability in AI services.
- https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15351568 – In July 2024, the Japan Newspaper Publishers and Editors Association (JNPEA) called for immediate action against AI-powered search services that use news content without permission, a practice they termed ‘freeriding.’ The JNPEA stated that outputs from these AI search engines closely resemble original news stories, creating a high risk of copyright violation. They urged companies operating such services to obtain permission from copyright owners and called for the Japanese government to update copyright laws and other intellectual property legislation to address these concerns. The association also warned that undermining media organizations could have devastating consequences for democracy and culture.
- https://asianews.network/newspaper-association-urges-copyright-law-revision-regarding-ai/ – In October 2023, the Japan Newspaper Publishers and Editors Association called for an early revision of the Copyright Law, which currently allows, in principle, the unauthorized use of copyrighted material for machine learning. The law’s Article 30-4 permits AI systems to machine-learn copyrighted works without permission from the copyright holders, with exceptions for cases that ‘unreasonably prejudice the interests of the copyright owner.’ The association presented examples of generative AI-equipped search engines using news articles to answer online questions, claiming that a large portion of AI responses was generated based on newspaper articles learned without permission. They stressed the need to revise the law and establish a system that allows copyright holders to bar machine learning or to be asked for permission at the time of learning.
- https://www.asiaiplaw.com/article/japans-news-association-calls-for-legal-reforms-against-ai-free-riding-on-copyrighted-content – In August 2024, Japanese news groups voiced concerns about AI ‘free-riding’ on copyrighted news content. The Japan Newspaper Publishers & Editors Association (JNPEA) issued a statement warning that AI-powered search engines are using news articles online without permission, potentially infringing on copyrights. The JNPEA observed that AI-generated responses often closely resemble original news articles, exceeding what is considered ‘minor use.’ They also highlighted instances where AI produced incorrect information due to inappropriate reuse or modification of articles, stressing the need for accuracy and reliability in AI services. The association urged AI service providers to seek permission from creators before using their material for AI purposes and called on the Japanese government to take action.
- https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240717/p2g/00m/0bu/046000c – In July 2024, the Japan Newspaper Publishers and Editors Association (JNPEA) stated that AI-powered search engines from companies like Google and Microsoft may infringe on copyright laws by using news articles without permission. The JNPEA called for these companies to obtain consent from news organizations, as AI-generated responses often closely resemble original articles. They also urged the Japanese government to review and revise intellectual property laws to address these concerns. Additionally, the association highlighted instances where AI search engines returned inaccurate information due to inappropriate reuse or modification of articles, stressing the need for accuracy and reliability in AI services.
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:
8
Notes:
The Japan Newspaper Publishers and Editors Association (JNPEA) has previously addressed concerns regarding AI’s use of news content without permission. In July 2024, JNPEA called for AI companies to obtain consent from news organizations when utilizing their content for AI training, highlighting potential copyright infringements. ([english.kyodonews.net](https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/07/63195d98e74e-japanese-media-say-ai-search-infringes-copyright-urge-legal-reform.html?utm_source=openai)) Additionally, in October 2023, JNPEA urged for a revision of Japan’s Copyright Law to prevent unauthorized use of copyrighted material by AI systems. ([asianews.network](https://asianews.network/newspaper-association-urges-copyright-law-revision-regarding-ai/?utm_source=openai)) The current report reiterates these concerns, indicating a consistent narrative over the past two years. However, the recent emphasis on ‘zero-click searches’ and the call for comprehensive measures beyond the existing framework suggest a fresh perspective on the issue. The report’s publication date of June 6, 2025, indicates timely coverage of ongoing developments.
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
The report includes direct quotes from the JNPEA’s statement, such as concerns over ‘zero-click searches’ and the impact on the public’s right to know. These quotes appear to be consistent with previous statements made by the association, indicating potential reuse of content. However, without access to the original statement, it’s challenging to confirm the exact wording and context. The absence of new, exclusive quotes may suggest a reliance on prior communications.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The report originates from the Asia News Network, a collaborative news platform. While it aggregates content from various reputable sources, its own editorial standards and independence are less clear. The lack of detailed information about the platform’s editorial processes raises questions about the reliability of the report. Additionally, the report’s reliance on previous statements from JNPEA without new, verifiable sources further diminishes its credibility.
Plausability check
Score:
7
Notes:
The concerns raised in the report align with ongoing debates about AI’s impact on copyright and the media industry. The emphasis on ‘zero-click searches’ and the call for legal reforms are plausible and reflect current discussions in the field. However, the report lacks specific examples or new data to substantiate these claims, which would strengthen its plausibility. The absence of such details makes the report’s assertions appear more general and less grounded in recent developments.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The report highlights ongoing concerns about AI’s use of news content without permission, echoing previous statements from the Japan Newspaper Publishers and Editors Association. While the emphasis on ‘zero-click searches’ and the call for comprehensive measures suggest a timely response to evolving issues, the reliance on prior statements without new, exclusive quotes or detailed examples raises questions about the report’s originality and depth. The source’s reliability is also uncertain due to limited information about its editorial standards. Therefore, the overall assessment is ‘OPEN’ with medium confidence, indicating the need for further verification and additional sources to substantiate the claims made.
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