Media organizations, represented by the Japan Newspaper Publishers and Editors Association, are expressing discontent over the unauthorized utilization of their content by AI-powered search services. They are raising concerns about potential copyright violations, emphasizing the need for platform operators to seek permission from copyright owners before using their content. The association is troubled by the similarity between the outputs produced by AI search engines and the original news stories, creating a risk of copyright infringement.
Unlike traditional search engines that present a list of relevant websites, the newer AI-based services offer direct text responses, resembling a chat log. This format allows users to quickly access answers without the necessity to delve further into internet searches. However, the association criticizes this direct extraction of information, labeling it as "freeriding on the labor of news outlets" and pointing fingers at companies like Google and Microsoft for operating such services without proper permission.
Additionally, the association is calling for a focus on the accuracy and reliability of information provided by these AI services, highlighting instances where misinformation was generated due to the distortion or fragmentation of news articles out of their original context. The concern extends beyond copyright issues, touching on the potential negative impact on democratic foundations and the nation's cultural integrity if media outlets are undermined by the dissemination of inaccurate or manipulated information. In response, Google's Japan arm and Microsoft have asserted their compliance with Japanese laws and respect for copyrights, indicating their commitment to legal standards in their operations.