This year has seen a rise in attention directed towards artificial intelligence (AI) and its imaginable use. Various studies around the world indicate AI can potentially replace certain workers and/or increase the effectiveness of staff across varying occupations.

Then, there's been talk about AI and humans ultimately merging even outside of the workforce. Of course, some people still feel that AI will negatively impact society and pose serious dangers.

Wherever various individuals stand, artificial intelligence is here and not going anywhere. Though one AI research company, OpenAI, is facing a lawsuit alongside Microsoft from the New York Times.

In the suit, the Times alleges that OpenAI and Microsoft colluded in using its news stories as instructional material for different chatbots.

Here's what the New York Times is saying

In court, the publication said both OpenAI and Microsoft's reported use of their content for chatbot training is illegal. The New York Times also believes as the aforementioned companies allegedly use NYT news stories to instruct their bots, they're also setting these bots up to compete with them.

Furthermore, according to the publication, OpenAI and Microsoft each owe billions in damages due to "unlawful copying" and "free-riding." The New York Times finally declared it's never authorized any entity to use its content to instruct bots or other forms of AI.

At this time, neither OpenAI nor Microsoft have issued any public statements.

This could be a long-term problem

Allegations from the New York Times are not surprising or unexplored. In fact, generative AI that some people employ for content creation, chatbots, etc., is notorious for pulling from already published material.

Programs like ClaudeAI, for instance, are only able to quickly generate content by using information that already exists on the web.

Going into 2024 and beyond, there could be more companies that decide they don't want generative AI using their content as a launchpad or basis for producing artificial material. This is something that AI companies will have to contend with as AI evolves and grows.

All things considered, everyone should stay tuned for more updates on the New York Times' lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft.