New York Times alleges Microsoft, OpenAI knew using news content was theft

The New York Times has accused OpenAI and Microsoft of a massive theft of news content to train their artificial intelligence models, according to a court document unsealed on September 17, 2026. OpenAI allegedly scraped over 10 million articles, with nearly a third coming from the New York Times alone. Microsoft's Director of Applied Science, Brent Hect, described the act as "an astonishing theft of unprecedented proportions" and possibly the "largest theft of labor in human history."

Hect also warned that OpenAI may have covered up its use of New York Times content. Microsoft maintains that Hect's statements are his personal opinions and do not represent the company's views. The lawsuit, filed three years ago, seeks damages for each allegedly stolen article. Several other news publishers have joined the case, seeking compensation for the stolen content.

OpenAI has signed content licensing deals with many news publishers since launching ChatGPT in late 2022, but there are concerns that AI software is reducing traffic to internet news sites. The US Department of Justice has sided with OpenAI and Microsoft, citing scientific progress, economic growth, and national security. The plaintiffs are requesting a summary judgment in their favor, with a ruling expected in 2027.