Media organizations are raising objections to the unauthorized usage of their content by AI-powered search services, pushing for platform operators to seek permission from copyright owners. There are concerns that the outputs produced by these AI search engines closely mirror the original news content, posing a risk of copyright infringement. The Japan Newspaper Publishers and Editors Association pointed out that these AI search engines provide answers in text format, diverging from traditional search engines that only list relevant websites.
The unique feature of AI-powered search services offering direct text responses is seen as a benefit to users, providing quick answers and potentially reducing the necessity to browse further online. However, the association criticized companies such as Google and Microsoft for what they see as taking advantage of news outlets’ efforts by utilizing their content without proper authorization. In addition to concerns over infringing copyright, the association highlighted instances where AI-generated misinformation distorted or fragmented contextually accurate news articles.
The association emphasized the importance of ensuring the accuracy and reliability of information, stressing that the undermining of media integrity could have severe consequences for democracy and the nation's cultural fabric. It called on the government to update existing copyright laws and other intellectual property regulations to address these issues. In response to these concerns, Google's Japan arm stated that it adheres to Japanese laws and respects copyrights, while Microsoft reiterated its commitment to providing products and services in compliance with Japanese legal standards.