According to the lawsuit, Perplexity allegedly scraped more than 17,000 CNN stories, images, videos, and other materials and used them to train its products without permission. CNN stated that the company continued using its content despite knowing it had no authorization to use CNN material, trademarks, or service marks.
The case is the latest in a series of legal actions taken by major media organizations against generative AI companies. Media publishers argue that AI chatbots and tools are delivering large amounts of news content to users without properly compensating the organizations that produce original journalism.
A CNN spokesperson said the lawsuit represents the principle that no multibillion-dollar company should profit from the work of content creators without payment. The spokesperson added that quality journalism requires significant human effort and often involves difficult and risky reporting processes, making fair compensation essential when such material is used for commercial purposes.
In response, Perplexity Chief Communications Officer Jesse Dwyer said that facts cannot be copyrighted.
Court documents state that CNN attempted to negotiate a licensing agreement with Perplexity last year regarding the use of its content, but both sides failed to reach an agreement on the terms.
CNN said it prefers licensing agreements with AI companies, but if companies refuse such arrangements, legal action will be taken to recover damages. The network has asked the court to award compensation and stop Perplexity from using its content.
Over the past two years, The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Encyclopaedia Britannica, and Japanese media company Yomiuri Shimbun have also taken legal action against Perplexity. However, publishers including Gannett, Time, Le Monde, and Der Spiegel have signed formal agreements with the company during the same period.
