Legal
OpenAI, the Owner of ChatGPT, Faces Legal Trouble in India: High Court Issues Summons
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has issued summons to US-based artificial intelligence company OpenAI in connection with a lawsuit filed by Asian News International (ANI). ANI has alleged that OpenAI violated copyright laws by using its content without authorization to train and operate its AI tool, ChatGPT. This marks the first such legal action in India against a major AI company.
Details of the Lawsuit
ANI has sought Rs 2 crore in damages from OpenAI and its associated entities, including OpenAI Inc and OpenAI OpCo LLC. It has also requested a decree for mandatory and permanent injunctions to prevent further unauthorized use of its content.
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Allegations Against OpenAI
ANI accused OpenAI of utilizing its copyrighted materials, including content from its official website, to develop ChatGPT. The news agency claimed that this was not only an infringement of its intellectual property but also harmful to its reputation.
During the hearing, ANI highlighted instances where ChatGPT allegedly generated false or misleading information attributed to the agency. For example, it claimed that the AI chatbot falsely stated that a prominent political leader had given an interview to ANI, despite no such interview ever taking place. The lawyer for ANI argued that such “false attributions” were damaging not only to the agency’s copyright but also to its credibility as a news organization.
Court’s Response
Justice Amit Bansal, presiding over the case, declined to grant any interim relief at this stage, emphasizing that the matter involved complex issues related to copyright rights and technological advancements. The court stated that it plans to appoint an amicus curiae (independent legal expert) to assist with the case.
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OpenAI’s counsel informed the court that the company had already removed ANI’s content and blocked its use in ChatGPT. The lawyer further clarified that ANI’s materials are not being used in OpenAI’s training datasets and denied any ongoing violations.
Implications of the Case
The case raises important questions about how AI companies acquire and use data to train their models, especially in light of evolving copyright laws. As artificial intelligence continues to advance, this lawsuit could set a significant precedent in determining the balance between technological innovation and copyright protection.
The matter will now proceed in the Delhi High Court, with further hearings expected to delve deeper into the claims and defenses presented by both sides.