New York publishers seek sanctions against OpenAI
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In New York, a coalition of major U.S. newspaper publishers has asked a federal judge to impose severe sanctions on OpenAI, accusing the company of deception and evidence destruction in a high‑profile copyright lawsuit. In a motion filed Saturday, July 11, 2026, in the Southern District of New York, The New York Times Company, the New York Daily News, the Chicago Tribune and others allege OpenAI withheld critical evidence and intentionally destroyed millions of chat histories. The case centers on claims that OpenAI and Microsoft unlawfully used copyrighted news articles to train AI models that compete directly with news outlets.
Timeline
- Two years ago, OpenAI begins discovery representations
- Over following months, publishers pursue copyright evidence
- During discovery, OpenAI deletes millions chat histories
- During litigation, publishers allege systematic deception
- July 11, 2026, sanctions motion filed in court
- Same day, allegations detail obstructed legal process
- Ongoing, lawsuit challenges training on copyrighted articles
Sources
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