Why AI Must Pay for the News It Uses

Daftar Isi

The Global Struggle Between Journalism and Artificial Intelligence

The ongoing conflict between the newspaper industry and artificial intelligence (AI) companies is no longer just a topic of discussion; it has evolved into a global legal and economic reckoning. As AI technologies continue to advance, the debate over copyright infringement and fair use has become central to this struggle. Legal cases are being fought in multiple countries, with the outcomes expected to shape the future of both the media and tech industries.

One of the most recent and significant developments came from Spain, where a court ordered Meta, the parent company of Facebook, to pay 479 million euros ($552 million) to Spanish digital media outlets. This ruling was based on allegations of unfair competition and violations of European Union data protection regulations. For many in the print media sector, this was a moment of hope, signaling that the legal system could serve as a safeguard for traditional journalism.

However, this was not an isolated incident. Meta has faced numerous fines across Europe, and in October 2025, the company reached a settlement with Nigeria’s Data Protection Commission (NDPC), agreeing to pay $32.8 million for data privacy violations. These cases highlight the growing scrutiny of big tech companies and their impact on local media ecosystems.

Another landmark case involved OpenAI, which faced a ruling from a Munich court. This decision marked a significant step forward, recognizing that AI developers have a responsibility to respect intellectual property rights and compensate creators for their work. It serves as a wake-up call for AI developers and regulators worldwide, emphasizing the need for ethical practices in the development and deployment of AI systems.

The rise of AI has accelerated the decline of trusted newspapers, particularly in regions like Nigeria, where the economy is already struggling. The disruption caused by AI firms and global tech giants has been immense, threatening the very existence of traditional media. As news outlets struggle to adapt to the changing landscape, the role of the press as the “fourth pillar” of democracy is being undermined.

Journalism has always been about the free exchange of ideas, the pursuit of truth, and the dissemination of informed opinions. However, the influence of big tech and AI poses a serious threat to these foundational principles. Content creators, including journalists, authors, and researchers, have long invested time, resources, and expertise to produce high-quality, trustworthy content. This content has now become the fuel for massive AI models, often without consent or compensation.

This situation raises urgent questions about fairness and equity. While AI is projected to generate up to $15.7 trillion for the global economy by 2030, the newspaper market, currently valued at $80.5 billion, is declining at a rate of 3.1% annually. This disparity highlights the need for a new framework that respects intellectual property rights and ensures fair compensation for creators.

Existing licensing frameworks have long supported media indexing, search engine operations, and content syndication. Yet, the current unlicensed use of content by AI developers is increasingly seen as exploitative. Arguing that licensing hinders innovation is a misrepresentation of the real issue: it is not about stifling progress, but about ensuring that creators are fairly compensated for their contributions.

A robust system of accountability is essential. Legally, the misuse of content should be severely penalized, as demonstrated by the Spanish court's ruling. AI deployers must also be held accountable for the information they provide. The EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) sets a precedent by imposing strict liability on platforms, while laws in Australia offer valuable examples of how regulators can take firm action against Big Tech.

The idea that AI systems can launder misinformation under the guise of limited liability is a direct threat to democratic values and scientific discourse. AI developers must ensure that their systems promote accurate, reliable, and complete information. They must also recognize that using content without proper attribution or compensation undermines the very foundation of creative economies.

The future of journalism depends on finding a balance between embracing AI and protecting intellectual property rights. Developers, regulators, and policymakers must work together to promote responsible AI development and ensure that creators are fairly compensated.

The relationship between journalism and AI is complex, requiring careful consideration and cooperation. By prioritizing intellectual property rights and fair compensation, we can create an AI future that benefits both creators and the public. The stakes are high, and the future of journalism—and by extension, democracy—depends on swift and responsible action.

Nigeria’s regulators should take inspiration from developments in Europe and push for AI companies to adopt a licensed content model. Establishing new precedents for copyright law will be crucial in preserving a flourishing, free, and independent press. Only through collaboration can we ensure that AI development supports, rather than undermines, the media industry.