Photo Credit: Getty Images
OpenAI has pushed back against a lawsuit filed by Indian news agency ANI, challenging the jurisdiction of the Delhi High Court in demanding the removal of ChatGPT's training data. The legal dispute, which highlights the growing tension between artificial intelligence and copyright, raises questions about global compliance and jurisdictional authority.
The case originated in November 2024 when ANI accused OpenAI of using its published content without authorization to train ChatGPT. ANI demanded the deletion of its data already incorporated into the model, citing copyright infringement and potential unfair competition. OpenAI, in its 86-page January 10 submission, emphasized that U.S. laws require the preservation of training data during ongoing litigation, rendering compliance with the Indian court's order legally untenable.
"The servers on which ChatGPT's training data are stored are located outside of India," OpenAI stated, adding that it has no offices or infrastructure within the country. This argument underscores the broader challenge of applying national laws to global digital platforms.
ANI, which holds a partial stake with Reuters, countered by affirming the Delhi High Court's jurisdiction. The news agency expressed concern over the commercial agreements OpenAI has established with global media outlets, alleging these deals create an uneven playing field for smaller content providers. "ChatGPT has reproduced verbatim or near-verbatim extracts of ANI's articles in response to user prompts," ANI claimed in its filings.
The case is set to be heard on January 28, and its implications could ripple across the AI landscape. OpenAI has faced similar allegations globally, including a high-profile lawsuit filed by *The New York Times* in the U.S. These cases highlight a critical debate: whether AI systems' reliance on publicly available data qualifies as fair use or infringes on copyright laws.
Experts have weighed in on the broader issue. Prashant Reddy, an intellectual property law specialist, noted, "AI firms are at a legal crossroads. Balancing data accessibility with copyright protection will require nuanced, jurisdiction-specific solutions."
OpenAI has stated that it will cease using ANI's content moving forward but remains firm on not erasing the data already stored. The company's partnerships with major outlets like Time MAGAZINE and Le Monde highlight its commitment to bridging the AI-media divide, albeit under scrutiny.
