Microsoft Exec's 'Theft' Claim Sparks Debate Over AI Copyright Law

A recent court filing in the NY Times' case against OpenAI has sparked controversy over the use of generative AI, with Microsoft's Director of Applied Science calling AI training 'the largest theft of labor in human history.'

The statement was made as part of a lawsuit by the NY Times against OpenAI, which is accused of copying millions of copyrighted articles without permission to produce commercial AI products.

However, experts argue that copyright infringement does not equate to 'theft' under copyright law. The Dowling vs. US Supreme Court ruling established that interference with a copyright does not easily equate with theft, conversion, or fraud.

Judge William Alsup has also ruled in favor of fair use in similar cases, stating that training AI on copyrighted material can be considered 'fair use' under Section 107 of the Copyright Act.