Seattle Times and Newsday Sue OpenAI and Microsoft Over AI Training
Seattle Times and Newsday sue OpenAI and Microsoft, alleging ChatGPT and Copilot exploit journalism, threaten publishers and violate copyright protections.
Summary
On September 5, 2026, The Seattle Times and Newsday sued OpenAI and Microsoft, alleging unauthorized use of their journalism to train generative AI. The complaint compares generative AI to a self-consuming snake, arguing that ChatGPT and CoPilot absorb human-authored work and return copies or derivative imitations for commercial gain, potentially damaging journalism beyond repair and destroying the organizations producing AI training material.
The filing expands publisher litigation that began when The New York Times sued OpenAI and its partner and investor Microsoft for alleged copyright infringement in 2023, followed by other publications. The Seattle Times case is notable because OpenAI and Microsoft have funded some of its journalism projects and fellowships. Microsoft said it was surprised but willing to meet and explore solutions. No OpenAI response or next procedural step was provided.
Positives
- Microsoft said it remains willing to meet and explore solutions despite being surprised by the lawsuit.
- OpenAI and Microsoft have funded some Seattle Times journalism projects and fellowships.
- The 2026 filing expands publisher scrutiny of alleged AI copyright infringement beyond litigation initiated in 2023.
Risks & concerns
- The Seattle Times and Newsday allege their journalism was used without authorization to train generative AI.
- The complaint claims ChatGPT and CoPilot reproduce copies or derivative imitations of human-authored content for commercial gain.
- The publishers warn that generative AI could irreparably damage journalism and destroy organizations producing its training material.
- The Seattle Times lawsuit creates tension with OpenAI and Microsoft despite their funding of its projects and fellowships.
- No OpenAI response or next procedural step was provided.