The software is “based on principles of fair use and relevant international copyright principles that are fair to creators and support innovation,” the company said in a statement to the BBC.
“We work closely with news publishers, including on the display, attribution and linking of their content in ChatGPT search, and offer them easy ways to opt out if they choose.”
In its 84-page statement, the Canadian Media Coalition accuses OpenAI of ignoring security measures, such as paywalls or copyright waivers, aimed at preventing unauthorized copying of content.
“OpenAI regularly violates copyright and terms of use across the Internet by harvesting large swathes of content from Canadian media to help develop its products, such as ChatGPT,” the companies said.
The group, which includes the publishers of Canada’s leading newspapers, is seeking C$20,000 ($14,300; £11,000) in damages for an article they say was used to illegally teach ChatGPT – a sum that could run into the billions compensation dollars.
The news organizations are also asking for an injunction that would force the company to share profits made from the use of their articles, as well as an injunction barring OpenAI from using them in the future.
While the lawsuit against OpenAI is the first for Canadian publishers, it follows a similar action in the US brought by the New York Times and other publishers last year. In April, the Times’ lawyers accused OpenAI of erasing evidence they needed for the trial.
In another case, the Writers Guild and a group of major writers, including John Grisham, also claimed copyright infringement.
Earlier this week, the Wall Street Journal reported that OpenAI was valued at C$219 billion after its latest round of fundraising from investors.
