A company owned by Rupert Murdoch has raised concerns that artificial intelligence platforms are profiting from the president's published works without proper compensation. According to the company, AI engines are extensively using the president's books, leveraging his intellectual property in a way that could undermine the value of his thoughts and original content.
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Overview
News Corp, the global media conglomerate owned by billionaire Rupert Murdoch, is expressing concerns over the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in publishing. The company, which owns a wide array of media assets including the Wall Street Journal, the Times, the Australian, and the New York Post, has voiced particular concerns regarding the effects of AI on the content of books authored by Donald Trump, such as "The Art of the Deal."
AI Impact on Publishing
In a recent statement tied to its fourth-quarter earnings, News Corp highlighted the challenges posed by AI in the publishing sector. The statement emphasized the importance of intellectual property rights in the digital age, noting that even high-profile authors like the former U.S. President are not immune to the effects of AI. According to News Corp, AI technologies are "cannibalizing" Trump's work by repurposing his ideas without proper compensation, potentially jeopardizing future sales of his books.
The metaphor "Suddenly, The Art of the Deal has become The Art of the Steal" was used to underscore the severity of the issue.
Legal Challenges
News Corp's concerns are not just theoretical. There have been several lawsuits involving AI companies over unauthorized use of media content. Notably, media giants have taken legal action against AI providers like OpenAI, the operator of ChatGPT, for using their content to train AI models without permission. For instance, a significant lawsuit by the New York Times against OpenAI was not dismissed by a federal judge, highlighting ongoing legal battles.
Further, News Corp itself has initiated lawsuits against AI companies such as Perplexity AI for similar copyright infringement claims. These legal actions underscore a broader industry challenge in adapting to the evolving landscape of AI and content creation.
Future Strategies
During an earnings call, News Corp CEO Robert Thomson revealed that the company is actively engaged in "advanced negotiations with several AI companies." Thomson articulated a dual approach of "wooing and suing" â negotiating where possible to secure intellectual property rights while remaining prepared to enforce these rights through litigation if necessary.
This strategic approach aims to balance the opportunities AI technology offers with the need to protect the valuable content that News Corp and its subsidiaries produce.
Company Performance
News Corp recently reported earnings that surpassed expectations, largely driven by an increase in digital subscriptions, particularly from Dow Jones publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Barron's, and MarketWatch. Additionally, News Corp announced plans to expand its media footprint with the launch of the California Post, a sister publication to the New York Post, slated for early 2026.
This performance and strategic expansion indicate News Corp's ongoing adaptation to the digital media landscape, even as it confronts new challenges from AI and other technological advancements.
These developments reflect the complex interplay between media production, intellectual property rights, and emerging technologies, highlighting significant issues that remain at the forefront of the digital age.