AI-Powered Search Services Raise Concerns Among Media Organizations
Media organizations in Japan are raising concerns about the unauthorized use of their content by emerging AI-powered search services. They are demanding that platform operators obtain permission from copyright owners before using their content.
In a statement released on July 17, the Japan Newspaper Publishers and Editors Association (JNPEA) expressed concerns that the outputs generated by these AI search engines closely resemble the original news stories, creating a high risk of copyright violation.
Unlike traditional search engines that return a list of relevant websites, new AI-powered services provide answers directly in text format, similar to a chat log. This offers users quick answers and potentially eliminates the need to explore further on the internet.
However, the JNPEA criticized the practice of "freeriding on the labor of news outlets," accusing Google, Microsoft, and other companies operating such services of using their content without permission.
The association also raised concerns about the accuracy and reliability of information generated by AI, highlighting instances where AI had distorted or fragmented news articles out of context, leading to misinformation.
The JNPEA warned that undermining the media could have devastating consequences for the foundations of democracy and the nation's culture. They urged the government to update copyright laws and other intellectual property legislation to address these concerns.
Both Google and Microsoft have responded by stating that they comply with Japanese laws and respect copyrights. However, the JNPEA's concerns highlight the growing tension between AI-powered search services and traditional media organizations over the use of copyrighted content.