OpenAI requests US government to allow training of AI models on copyrighted material

OpenAI has requested the US government to permit AI companies to utilize copyrighted material for training purposes to “enhance America’s leadership” in artificial intelligence, Anadolu Agency reported. This proposal was submitted as part of a larger initiative presented to the government on Thursday, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s forthcoming “AI Action Plan.” The administration is seeking input from the private sector, government, and academia, focusing on a policy shift aimed at preventing excessive regulations that could hinder innovation.

In its proposal, OpenAI called for a “freedom-focused” regulatory framework, urging the federal government to remove requirements that force American AI developers to comply with restrictive state laws. A significant challenge for AI developers is copyright, as many are training their models on content created by humans without notifying the original creators, obtaining consent, or providing compensation, according to NBC News. OpenAI’s proposal emphasized that the federal government can both ensure Americans’ freedom to learn from AI and maintain the US’s competitive edge in AI over the People’s Republic of China by allowing American AI models to learn from copyrighted material.