Two 80-something journalists sue ChatGPT to protect 'written word'
Two octogenarian friends in Massachusetts, Nicholas Gage and Nicholas Basbanes, have taken legal action against ChatGPT for allegedly using their work without permission. Gage, 84, and Basbanes, 81, both seasoned journalists and authors, have dedicated their lives to writing and reporting.
Their Background
Nicholas Gage's bestselling memoir inspired a film adaptation starring John Malkovich, while Basbanes is known for his books on literary culture. Basbanes, after exploring AI chatbots, found them to be lacking in accuracy and attribution, leading to their decision to file a lawsuit.
The lawsuit, part of a larger class-action suit involving prominent writers like John Grisham and George R. R. Martin, alleges that OpenAI and Microsoft have been using writers' work to train AI chatbots without proper authorization.
Legal Battle and Industry Response
The legal battle is ongoing, with companies like OpenAI and Microsoft defending their practices. The CEO of Microsoft's AI division, Mustafa Suleyman, argued that using existing content for AI training falls under the "fair use" doctrine.
However, writers and media outlets are pushing back, highlighting the importance of protecting intellectual property in the face of evolving technologies.
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Some have sought licensing deals with tech companies, while others have resorted to legal action.
Protecting the Craft
As the cases unfold, writers like Gage and Basbanes emphasize the value of real human effort in creating content that AI cannot replicate. They believe that fair compensation for writers' efforts is essential for sustaining the literary profession.
Despite the challenges posed by AI advancements, these journalists are determined to defend the integrity of their work and the future of storytelling.
