News Publishers and AI: A Call for Fair Compensation

Large language artificial intelligence (AI) models are powered by vast amounts of online content, much of which is news reports curated by media professionals and organizations. The news industry is increasingly concerned about the unaccountable use of their work by AI models, which can reproduce human-level content in mere seconds. This issue is compounded by the fact that previous waves of digitization have already eroded the news media's traditional revenue streams, with Big Tech platforms often short-changing the very sources of information they rely on.

The Existential Threat

The news industry has reason to fear that AI could deliver a significant blow to their already precarious business models. In a digital landscape where audiences are increasingly reluctant to pay for news and trust in professional journalism is declining, the unchecked use of news content by AI firms poses a significant threat. It is clear that AI firms, with their substantial market capitalization, must not be allowed to freely take and monetize news content without compensating the creators.

The Need for Compensation

Publishers have the right to decide who can access and use their content, and to ensure that their businesses benefit from the AI revolution. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade’s committee on copyright and AI is a positive step in this direction. This is not a call to slow down AI development but rather a demand for fair compensation and recognition of the value of news content.

Fighting for Fair Use

News organizations have long battled with search giants and social media companies that profited from their content without fair compensation. As social media platforms become more video-focused and create walled gardens, the avenues for news organizations to earn revenue are shrinking. AI-generated summaries of news content, often with source links as mere footnotes, highlight the need for compensation to be negotiated at the time of content scraping.

Ethical Considerations

AI firms may claim 'fair use' in model training, but there is nothing fair about accessing and disseminating news content without involving the creators. News publishers and policymakers must now fight for their share in the AI era. The ethical and legal implications of using news content without permission are significant, and the news industry must be protected to ensure the continued production of high-quality journalism.

Conclusion

The news industry's fight for fair compensation from AI firms is crucial for the survival of professional journalism. As AI continues to advance, it is essential that the creators of news content are recognized and compensated for their work. This is not a call to halt progress but to ensure that the benefits of AI are shared fairly with those who contribute to its development.