Nikkei and Asahi have filed a lawsuit against U.S. AI company Perplexity, accusing it of copyright infringement. They claim the company used their articles without permission to generate AI search responses, making this case a critical turning point in the relationship between journalism and generative AI.
- The Conflict Between Perplexity and Newspaper Companies
- The Background and Intentions of Nikkei and Asahi’s Lawsuit
- Ongoing Lawsuits in Japan and Abroad
- Perplexity’s Response and Future Prospects
- The Crossroads of AI and Copyright
- Overseas Examples and Their Impact on Japan
- Impact on Users and Social Issues
- Conclusion
The Conflict Between Perplexity and Newspaper Companies
Perplexity is a U.S.-based startup that provides a search service using natural language processing. Unlike conventional search engines that simply display a list of links, Perplexity delivers answers in summarized form, often based on existing articles. For users, this is highly convenient because they can obtain the information they need in a short time. However, the way in which the company obtains and uses news articles is unclear, raising concerns among media companies that this may amount to copyright infringement.
Newspapers invest heavily in reporting, editing, printing, and digital distribution. If their work is used without permission, their revenue base is undermined, and the ability of journalists to conduct in-depth reporting suffers. This lawsuit is therefore not just a corporate dispute but an issue that could determine the survival of journalism itself.
The Background and Intentions of Nikkei and Asahi’s Lawsuit
Nikkei and Asahi jointly filed a lawsuit with the Tokyo District Court. Both claim that Perplexity has copied their articles without authorization and used them as material for AI-generated answers. For the newspapers, these articles are their most valuable assets, produced through significant time and financial investment. Unauthorized use strikes at the core of their business. Therefore, the companies judged that they must use legal measures to defend their rights.
The revenue structure of newspapers has also changed dramatically. Print circulation has declined, while digital subscriptions and advertising revenue have become more important. If AI services provide summaries of their articles for free, readers may have less reason to visit newspaper websites, reducing subscription income and diminishing the value of ads. This would cut funding for reporting and lower journalistic quality. For this reason, the lawsuit is not just about damages but a strategic defense for the industry’s future.
Ongoing Lawsuits in Japan and Abroad
This lawsuit is only part of a broader trend. In Japan, Yomiuri Shimbun has already filed a similar lawsuit against Perplexity, and major newspapers are collectively taking legal action. Internationally, The New York Times has sued OpenAI and Microsoft, accusing them of unauthorized use of articles.
Below is a summary of domestic and international lawsuits.
| Region | Plaintiffs | Defendants | Claim | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | Nikkei & Asahi | Perplexity | Unauthorized copying of articles | Ongoing in Tokyo District Court |
| Japan | Yomiuri Shimbun | Perplexity | Same claim | Filed |
| U.S. | The New York Times | OpenAI & Microsoft | Large-scale unauthorized use of articles | Case ongoing |
| EU | Multiple media | Google & others | Demanding compensation for content use | License system introduced |
These cases show that the clash between AI and copyright is not a local issue but a global challenge.
Perplexity’s Response and Future Prospects
Perplexity has responded to the lawsuit by saying it has not yet reviewed the complaint and therefore cannot comment. However, the legal risks are significant, and the company cannot grow sustainably without clarifying its approach to article usage. If courts rule that its practices are illegal, Perplexity may be forced to suspend or redesign its services. On the other hand, if it can establish legitimate partnerships with newspapers through licensing, it could secure stable growth.
For startups, investor trust is critical. A prolonged lawsuit could affect fundraising, making this case a turning point for Perplexity.
| Possible Response | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Fight in court | Clarifies legal position | Risk of shutdown depending on ruling |
| Licensing with newspapers | Restores trust, stable revenue | Higher operational costs |
| Service modification | Avoids copyright disputes | Possible decline in usability |
This highlights that whichever option Perplexity chooses, challenges remain. The key will be to build a system where user convenience is preserved while coexisting with media companies.
The Crossroads of AI and Copyright
AI-based search offers clear benefits but runs into the barrier of protecting journalistic rights. If newspapers’ rights are violated, high-quality reporting may decline, and society at large would lose access to reliable information. Balancing convenience with protection of rights is therefore critical.
| Perspective | Benefits | Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| AI companies | Growth, technological progress | Legal risks of copyright lawsuits |
| Media companies | Trusted source of information | Revenue loss from unauthorized use |
| Users | Quick access to information | Concerns over accuracy and legality |
What is needed is a framework where all sides benefit simultaneously.
Overseas Examples and Their Impact on Japan
In the EU, the Digital Copyright Directive requires platforms to pay publishers when using their content. In the U.S., “fair use” allows some limited use, but direct reproduction of articles has rarely been upheld in court. Japan lags behind in legislation, and this lawsuit may trigger reforms.
| Region | Key Feature | Benefit for Media | Impact on AI Companies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | Legal framework still incomplete | Potential for stronger protection | Uncertain business models |
| EU | Licensing introduced | Stable revenue for publishers | Increased operational costs |
| U.S. | Fair use concept | Allows limited use | Ongoing litigation risk |
| South Korea | Media-industry contracts | Broad protection | Limits on AI development |
This comparison shows that Japan must soon decide which direction it will take.
Impact on Users and Social Issues
This issue does not only affect newspapers and AI companies but also directly impacts users. If services are shut down due to legal violations, users lose quick access to answers. On the other hand, if publishers are not properly compensated, the availability of quality journalism will decline, harming users in the long run.
| Item | Benefit | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| AI search | Fast access to answers | Possible inaccuracy, legal uncertainty |
| Newspaper subscriptions | In-depth, reliable reporting | Paid access required |
| Stronger regulation | Stability in information flow | Possible restrictions on services |
Thus, user interests and protection of rights are not in conflict but must be achieved together for society’s benefit.
Conclusion
The lawsuit by Nikkei and Asahi against Perplexity highlights a new phase in the debate over AI and copyright. Protecting the rights of articles is essential to sustaining journalism in a democratic society. At the same time, AI has the potential to dramatically improve access to information. What is required now is not confrontation but building rules for coexistence. Japan must learn from international regulations while developing its own framework. If coexistence between AI and media becomes possible, users will enjoy a richer and more reliable information environment.
