JAPANESE MEDIA ACCUSES TECH GIANTS OF COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT WITH AI-POWERED SEARCH ENGINES: URGES LEGAL REVISION
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, breaking boundaries and revolutionizing various technologies, a new contention is brewing across the Pacific. The Japan Newspaper Publishers and Editors Association has raised concerns that AI-powered search engines, i.e., Google and Microsoft, infringe on copyright. The issue opens the future to larger discussions on the intersections of AI, media, and intellectual property rights, whose outcomes will inevitably mold our interactions with technology and information.
The matter arises from search engines' usage of content from news organizations without permission. This act, the Association posits, is equivalent to copyright infringement. Beyond this, the Association shared concerns over the accuracy of these AI search engines, which often disclose full contents of the articles, potentially altering the context and integrity of the news.
Notably, the ability of AI to regurgitate the full contents of an article possibly impedes the work of news organizations. "Zero-click searches"—where users acquire needed data without a visit to source sites—are increasingly prevalent, threatening the traffic flow and meticulous reporting activities of journalism outfits.
The Association's concerns about this potential copyright violation have not fallen on deaf ears. They are urging the Japanese government to rejuvenate its intellectual property laws urgently. Providing AI search engine services without permission could circumvent the antimonopoly law, especially if dominant companies like Google or Microsoft pose exceedingly low usage fees for articles.
From Silicon Valley, the reaction to Japan Newspaper Publishers and Editors Association's concern is calm and assured. Google maintains its AI search services are compliant with all applicable laws, including Japan's copyright act. Microsoft, another prime player in the digital arena, has yet to comment on the matter.
This discourse brings to the surface the crucial need for an international consensus and clearer guidelines regarding AI, copyright, and journalism. Gatekeeping of information is changing; traditional methods are being replaced or at least augmented. However, the essence of journalism—trustworthy, timely and straightforward reporting—must remain respected, viable and commercially sound.
Setting the right frameworks and respecting the confluence of technological advancement and news corporations will lay a foundation for future practices. Careful assessment of AI-powered services and their impact on journalism are essestial strides towards ensuring a harmonious relationship between journalistic integrity and AI-led innovation. It is also crucial in upholding democratic values that underpin our information-abundant society while fostering technological progress.
The specter of copyright infringement by AI search engines is a testament to the ever-evolving technology's impact on various sectors. Policymakers, stakeholders, and technology giants must confront this head-on, not only to safeguard the sanctity of copyright but to ensure the continued coexistence of technological progress and journalistic integrity. Whatever outcome this Japanese example leads to, it is certain that the rest of the world will be watching, learning, and possibly following suit in their legislation. After all, to predict our future, we must understand today.