Last updated on August 27th, 2024 at 08:12 pm
Japanese media have raised flags regarding the use of artificial intelligence, calling for an urgent review of copyright laws.
The Japan Newspaper Publishers and Editors Association has called on companies operating AI-powered search engines-carrying information-such as Google LLC and Microsoft Corp., among others, to obtain consent from news organizations over the usage of contents. Tokyo-based Kyodo News quoted the association as saying the use of AI by these companies “likely infringes on copyright.”
The association expressed concern over “possible inaccuracies in responses developed by AI search engines,” which would damage the source articles and thereby have damage the credibility of news organizations: “AI search engines sometimes return inaccurate responses as they inappropriately reuse or modify articles.” The association demanded that the companies ensure accuracy and reliability before launching the services.
The association, which described the issue as a “matter of urgency,” called on the Japanese government to “review and revise laws related to intellectual property such as the copyright act.”
The statement also mentioned the problem with “zero-click searches,” as users do not access the source site. Without traffic, the association warned, news organizations will have to scale back their reporting activities, to the detriment of democracy and culture.
