The U.S. Department of Justice is advocating for a legal framework that would permit AI developers to use copyrighted works for training purposes under the guise of fair use. This proposal, if accepted by the courts, would bypass Congress and establish a de facto safe harbor for AI training. The DOJ argues that AI training is highly transformative, thus justifying the use of copyrighted material without needing licenses. This move could have significant implications for authors and creators, as it prioritizes the growth of the AI industry over existing copyright protections.
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Trump Administration Backs OpenAI in NYT Copyright Case
7 developments
© TechCrunch AIxAI's attempt to dismiss the NAACP's Clean Air Act lawsuit failed after a federal judge ruled that its gas turbines are not exempt mobile sources and that plaintiffs have standing. This legal setback confirms that AI infrastructure operators cannot bypass environmental permitting by classifying heavy industrial equipment as temporary or mobile. The ruling forces xAI to face scrutiny over air quality impacts at its Colossus data center, setting a precedent for how large-scale compute facilities are regulated under existing environmental laws.
© TechCrunch AIOpenAI is scaling back its ambitions as investor appetite for massive AI infrastructure bets cools. The company has lowered its fundraising target from $30 billion to $20 billion, with only $11 billion secured so far against a valuation that has dropped from $1.4 trillion. This retreat signals a growing wariness among Wall Street investors regarding the capital intensity of the AI race, forcing even the most dominant players to adjust their financial expectations.
© The AI Daily BriefCrosby, a legal AI startup, has placed a bid for the assets of law firm Weil.