Disney Calls on Google to Stop Using Its Content in AI Tools

Core Viewpoint - Disney has sent a cease-and-desist letter to Google, alleging copyright infringement related to the use of its content in AI tools [1][2] Group 1: Disney's Allegations - Disney claims that Google has utilized its content to train AI models and has distributed copies of its work to consumers [2] - The company demands that Google cease using its content in AI tools and prevent the generation of images featuring Disney-owned characters [2] Group 2: Google's Response - A Google spokesperson stated that the company maintains a beneficial relationship with Disney and uses public data from the open web for AI development [3] - Google has implemented copyright controls like Google-extended and Content ID for YouTube to give copyright holders control over their content [3] Group 3: Disney's Investment in AI - On the same day as the cease-and-desist letter, Disney announced a $1 billion investment in OpenAI and a three-year licensing agreement for the Sora video model [3] - The agreement allows Sora users to create short clips featuring Disney characters within a controlled environment, prohibiting actor likenesses and restricting certain themes [4] Group 4: Legal Challenges Faced by Google - Google has faced other legal challenges regarding the use of copyrighted content in its AI tools, including a lawsuit from Penske Media for unauthorized use of journalism [5] - The Independent Publishers Association filed an antitrust complaint against Google, alleging that AI-generated summaries disadvantage original content by positioning them at the top of search results [6]