YouTube CEO Neal Mohan has a clear message for OpenAI: using the platform's videos to train AI models (like Sora) without permission is a "clear violation" of YouTube's terms of service.
This comes after OpenAI CTO Mira Murati recently expressed uncertainty about whether Sora, the company's new text-to-video AI tool, was trained on user-generated content from platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. The Wall Street Journal also reported that OpenAI plans to use YouTube video transcripts to train GPT-5, the next generation of its powerful large language model.
Mohan emphasized that creators upload their work to YouTube with the expectation that the platform's terms will be respected – terms that prohibit downloading transcripts or video segments for purposes like training AI models without the creator's consent.
In contrast, Google says they obtain permission before using select YouTube videos to train its own AI models based on individual creators' licensing contracts. This allows Google to leverage YouTube content for AI development while respecting creators' rights.
The issue of training data and intellectual property is becoming increasingly contentious, and it's a multi-level fight. Creators want their IP rights respected. Owners of massive data collections (YouTube, Reddit, NYT, etc.) want to profit from their collections. Stuff on the public web is, well, public.
YouTube's firm stance may put OpenAI on notice, but it also underscores the complex legal and ethical challenges that lie ahead. In a perfect world, content platforms, AI developers, creators, and policymakers would work together to establish clear guidelines that balance technological progress and creator rights… but, alas, the world is not perfect.
As always your thoughts and comments are both welcome and encouraged. Just reply to this email. -s
ABOUT SHELLY PALMER
Shelly Palmer is the Professor of Advanced Media in Residence at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and CEO of The Palmer Group, a consulting practice that helps Fortune 500 companies with technology, media and marketing. Named he covers tech and business for , is a regular commentator on CNN and writes a popular . He's a , and the creator of the popular, free online course, . Follow or visit .
