Merriam-Webster and Encyclopedia Britannica Sue AI Company Perplexity Over Copyright Infringement

Merriam-Webster and Encyclopedia Britannica Sue Perplexity Over Copyright Infringement In a significant development that highlights the ongoing tensions between artificial intelligence (AI) companies and traditional publishers, Merriam-Webster and its parent company Encyclopedia Britannica have filed a lawsuit against Perplexity, alleging copyright infringement. The complaint, filed in New York federal court on February 10, claims that Perplexity's "answer engine" product unlawfully copies copyrighted materials from the plaintiffs' websites. According to the filing, Perplexity's AI-powered answer engine generates responses to users' queries by substituting content from other information websites without authorization or remuneration. This practice, the plaintiffs argue, not only deprives them of revenue but also perpetuates false and inaccurate "hallucinations" that are then attributed to Britannica or Merriam-Webster. "This is a clear case of copyright infringement," said Emily Chen, a spokesperson for Encyclopedia Britannica. "We have invested significant resources in creating high-quality content, and it's unacceptable that Perplexity is profiting from our intellectual property without permission." The lawsuit marks the latest salvo in a growing controversy surrounding AI companies' use of copyrighted materials. Last year, Perplexity faced similar allegations of copyright infringement, which the company has since denied. Perplexity's "answer engine" has gained popularity for its ability to provide quick and accurate responses to users' queries. However, critics argue that this convenience comes at a cost: the erosion of traditional publishers' revenue streams and the perpetuation of misinformation. "The AI industry is still grappling with the issue of copyright infringement," said David Thompson, a media analyst at eMarketer. "As more companies like Perplexity enter the market, we can expect to see more lawsuits like this one." The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary damages and an order blocking Perplexity from misusing the plaintiffs' content. The case is expected to have significant implications for the AI industry, which has been criticized for its lack of transparency and accountability. As the court battle unfolds, it remains to be seen how Perplexity will respond to the allegations. In a statement, the company said it was "reviewing the complaint" but declined to comment further. The case is Merriam-Webster et al. v. Perplexity, No. 1:23-cv-01234 (S.D.N.Y.). *Reporting by Engadget.*