The News/Media Alliance has clarified that the lawsuit is not anti-technology; rather, it aims to ensure AI respects existing intellectual property laws while benefiting from technological advancements.

A coalition of news and magazine publishers, including Newsday, has initiated a lawsuit against AI company Cohere, alleging copyright infringement for using their content without authorization.

The lawsuit seeks statutory damages of up to $150,000 for each infringed work under the Copyright Act, in addition to actual damages and Cohere's profits related to trademark infringement.

An exhibit presented in the lawsuit details over 4,000 articles that Cohere allegedly infringed, highlighting the extensive nature of the claims.

Danielle Coffey, president and CEO of the News/Media Alliance, emphasized the necessity of legal protections as generative AI technology evolves, underscoring the importance of safeguarding investments in creative processes.

Condé Nast CEO Roger Lynch described Cohere's actions as an existential threat to journalism, accusing the company of stealing content to compete without compensation.

In response, Cohere's spokesperson labeled the lawsuit as misguided and claimed the company has implemented measures to avoid intellectual property infringement.

While AI presents opportunities for innovation in journalism, it also poses significant threats, particularly regarding unauthorized use of journalistic content.

The media industry is currently facing financial struggles, with declining advertising budgets exacerbating the need to protect intellectual property, which is vital for its survival.

Publishers assert that they support ethical AI deployment and often license their content to AI companies, but view Cohere's actions as exploitative.

Pam Wasserstein, president of Vox Media, highlighted the critical importance of copyright protections for the media ecosystem, asserting that AI companies must comply with legal standards.

If the lawsuit proceeds, it could set a significant precedent regarding the use of copyrighted materials in AI training and establish legal terms for the licensed use of journalism.