New York Times publisher slams AI companies' 'brazen theft' from news outlets

A.G. Sulzberger, publisher of *The New York Times*, delivered a sharp critique of AI companies at the 77th WAN-IFRA World News Media Congress in Marseille, France, calling their reliance on news content an 'unprecedented scale of brazen theft.' Speaking to global news executives, Sulzberger accused tech giants of 'hijacking the public square' by using copyrighted material without permission or fair compensation, undermining journalism’s economic model. The speech marked a direct challenge to AI firms, including OpenAI and Microsoft, which *The New York Times* is suing over alleged misuse of its copyrighted work. Sulzberger argued that the industry’s 'quiet, passive, and fragmented' response has allowed AI companies to consolidate control over data and public attention without ensuring trustworthy news dissemination. He warned that unchecked AI practices risk reducing the number of journalists capable of producing original reporting, citing the financial strain on news organizations. The congress, running until Wednesday and organized with CMA Media, reflects broader concerns about AI’s impact on media sustainability amid rising competition from social networks. Sulzberger emphasized that AI firms must accept responsibility for their influence, urging them to prioritize public access to reliable information. His remarks were met with applause, underscoring growing unease among media leaders about the ethical and economic consequences of AI-driven content consumption.