News Corp files lawsuit against Perplexity for copyright infringement

In a significant legal action, News Corp, the parent company of major publications like The Wall Street Journal and the New York Post, has initiated a copyright lawsuit against the AI search engine Perplexity on October 21, 2024. The company accuses Perplexity of massive copyright infringement, stating that the AI tool unlawfully reproduces news articles and analyses, undermining the financial viability of content creators. News Corp claims that Perplexity’s model misattributes facts and creates fabricated news stories, presenting serious concerns regarding the accuracy and legality of AI-generated content. According to the lawsuit, News Corp previously attempted to address these issues by sending Perplexity a letter in July regarding its unlicensed use of the company’s content. However, News Corp alleges that Perplexity did not respond, further escalating the conflict. This recent action comes amid a broader scrutiny of AI technology and its impact on journalism, as several news organizations criticize tools for scraping their content without consent. Other relevant players in the media landscape, including The New York Times, have also taken measures against AI platforms. In addition, Perplexity has begun negotiating licenses with some publishers like Time and Fortune, leading to a fragmented response to copyright challenges from AI models. News Corp demands that the court obligate Perplexity to halt the unauthorized use of its material and eliminate any databases containing its copyrighted works. This legal battle underscores the ongoing tension between traditional media companies and emerging AI technology, raising questions about copyright, fair use, and the future of journalism in the digital age.