The increasing popularity of AI-powered search services equipped with artificial intelligence is facing backlash from media organizations who claim that these advanced systems are reproducing their content without proper authorization. The Japan Newspaper Publishers and Editors Association has voiced its discontent, emphasizing the resemblance of the outputs created by AI search engines to the original news articles, which could potentially lead to copyright violations due to the use of content without permission or proper attribution.
Unlike conventional search engines that provide users with a list of relevant websites, the emerging AI-powered services go a step further by offering direct answers in text format, resembling a chat log. This streamlined approach aims to provide users with quick and precise responses without the need to delve deeper into online searches, but it also raises concerns from media entities regarding the reproduction of their content without authorization. The Association has criticized tech giants like Google and Microsoft for operating these services without ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the information generated, highlighting instances where AI has distorted or taken news articles out of context, leading to misinformation being shared with users.
The association's concern extends beyond copyright infringement, with a focus on the potential impact on the foundation of democracy and the nation's culture if media outlets are undermined by these AI-powered search services. They have called for updates to copyright laws and other intellectual property legislation to address these issues and protect the rights of content creators. In response, Google’s Japan branch and Microsoft have emphasized their commitment to compliance with Japanese laws and the respect for copyrights, but the debate continues regarding the balance between the benefits of AI-powered search services and the protection of original content and information.