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CNN Suing AI Firm Perplexity Over ‘Massive Copyright Infringement’

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CNN has sued Perplexity, an artificial intelligence company, alleging that they’ve infringed on the news network’s copyrights and trademarks by illegally copying and distributing content without their consent, Variety reports. 

The lawsuit was officially filed on Thursday in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York. Perplexity is being accused of taking over 17,000 stories, photographs, videos, and other content from CNN and using it to train its AI products. 

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This complaint marks the first time the multinational news television channel and website is filing a legal case against an AI company and seeking to protect its copyrights. It’s also believed to be the first litigation of its kind from a TV network. However, this is not the first time Perplexity specifically has been sued over copyright infringement and similar claims. 

Dow Jones, the publisher of the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and the New York Post have all filed similar lawsuits against the company.

A spokesperson for CNN stated that they do believe in “actively embracing the opportunities AI creates” as a network, however, Perplexity “should not be able to steal from entities that create the original content” in order to train their models and overall “exploit” their created material. 

“The public rely on high-quality news journalism reported by human beings to understand their world, which is frequently dangerous and expensive to produce,” the CNN spokesperson said. 

“Commercial operators can and must pay to make use of it. We prefer that they do so through sensible licensing arrangements, but if they refuse to do that as Perplexity has so far refused to do, they will have to pay through legal damages. There is no free option.”

A spokesperson for Perplexity told Variety that when it comes to this suit, “you can’t copyright facts.”

In the 54-page federal complaint, CNN emphasized how Perplexity’s former advertisements helped users skip the “extra steps and clicks” in order to access news content. They also explained that last year, they spoke with Perplexity and attempted to come to a deal, but couldn’t agree on terms. 

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“As a result, before and after Perplexity’s negotiations with CNN, Perplexity knew that it was not permitted to access CNN’s content or to use its trademarks or service marks,” the complaint stated.

“Perplexity’s conduct violates CNN’s exclusive rights under the Copyright Act at two principal stages: First, at the input stage, Perplexity unlawfully crawls, scrapes, copies, and distributes CNN’s content from CNN Digital Platforms and third-party platforms using software programs, including ‘PerplexityBot’ and ‘Perplexity-User,’ to build an AI-First search index and to provide CNN’s content in real time as input to LLMs to formulate responses to users’ prompts. And second, at the output stage, when Perplexity’s GenAI Products generate outputs that are identical or substantially similar to CNN’s content,” the suit reads.

It also emphasized within the suit that Perplexity is violating CNN’s trademarks “by falsely claiming an affiliation between Perplexity and CNN that does not exist. Perplexity’s GenAI products generate fabricated content that claims that its users can pay to upgrade and get access to CNN’s premium content, when no such option exists. 

Thus, Perplexity uses CNN’s famous, registered trademarks and falsely attributes an affiliation between Perplexity and CNN to its users which causes confusion,” the suit continues.

“Perplexity’s use infringes CNN’s exclusive rights in its federally registered trademarks, and has caused and is likely to cause confusion, mistake, or deception as to whether the articles Perplexity provides are associated or affiliated with, or are sponsored, endorsed, or approved by CNN,” the complaint reads. 

“Perplexity’s use is intended to reap the benefit of consumers’ trust in CNN.”

CNN is asking the court to fulfill its statutory damages cost, and enforce that Perplexity can no longer use its content.

CNN President Jeff Zucker Resigns Following Relationship Disclosure Failure

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CNN President Jeff Zucker resigned Wednesday after failing to disclose a consensual relationship with a close colleague, he told employees in a company-wide email. It ends a nine-year run for Zucker at one of the nation’s largest media companies.

“I acknowledged the relationship evolved in recent years. I was required to disclose it when it began but I didn’t. I was wrong,” Zucker said, explaining the decision came after an inquiry into the relationship as part of the investigation into former CNN anchor Chris Cuomo.

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Following a suspension, Cuomo was fired by Zucker in December after advising his brother, then-New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, on how to address sexual misconduct allegations that would eventually lead to a resignation of his own.

Zucker, 56, said that he wished his tenure had ended differently, but that “it was an amazing run.” “I loved every minute of it,” he said. CNN noted that employees were not expecting Zucker’s resignation, which caught many off guard.

It’s not immediately clear who will be taking over Zucker’s duties while a search begins for a permanent president, though WarnerMedia — the parent company of CNN — chief executive officer Jason Kilar stated an interim leadership plan would be announced shortly.

The woman who engaged in the relationship with Zucker was Allison Gollust, CNN’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer. Gollust commented in a separate memo, signaling the relationship began sometime after March 2020. Unlike Zucker, Gollust doesn’t appear to be planning a resignation.

“Jeff and I have been close friends and professional partners for over 20 years. Recently, our relationship changed during COVID. I regret that we didn’t disclose it at the right time. I’m incredibly proud of my time at CNN and look forward to continuing the great work we do everyday.”

Zucker had previously served as president and CEO of NBC Universal until 2010, and joined CNN Worldwide in 2013 as president. At NBC Universal, Zucker also worked with Gollust, who was the executive vice president of corporate communications.

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According to NBC News, Zucker was close to leaving CNN last year, but had decided to stay with the company until at least the end of 2021. At the same time, sources reported that Gollust emerged as a top candidate to replace Zucker following his departure, given the two’s closeness.

Despite having its second-most watched year ever, the network saw a significant second half decline. Struggling to obtain viewers during primetime — between 8 and 11 p.m. — CNN experienced an 83% year-over-year drop. They didn’t get off to a good start in 2022, either, averaging 548,000 viewers in the first week of January – an 80% year-over-year drop from their 2.7 million viewers in 2021.

Last year, CNN was ranked the 11th most-watched channel with 1,114 viewers, a -38% change. While other news and opinion networks like Fox News (-34%) and MSNBC (-28%) also experienced drops, they placed significantly higher at fifth and seventh, respectively.

The low ratings could be attributed to the numerous scandals that have plagued the network. In addition to Cuomo and Zucker, Don Lemon — the host of the 10 p.m. show — was criticized for tipping off “Empire” star Jussie Smollett he was being investigated by police following an alleged hate crime attack. Lemon then covered the trial, not mentioning any part of his involvement.

White House

Trump Losing Major Support For His Handling Of Covid-19 and ‘Black Lives Matter’ Protests

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As the United States battles two major pandemics, the coronavirus and systematic racism, the citizens of America are condemning president Trump for his complacency in both of these health crises that are killing thousands of Americans in very different ways.

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Dr. Sanjay Gupta Is Using His Experience To Help The Public Through The Coronavirus Epidemic

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Gupta’s most recent project is combating the myths and affirming the facts of the coronavirus epidemic that’s affecting tens of thousands of individuals worldwide. 

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2020 Presidental Election

Tonight’s Democratic Debate Last Before Voting Begins in Ohio

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In what may very well make for one of the most contentious nights of the primary process thus far, six of the country’s top Democrats will share a stage in Des Moines tonight, each debating to convince the American voter that they are the most qualified candidate to beat Donald Trump in November. The debate comes amid multiple, highly consequential stories surrounding the Trump administration; not only is Nancy Pelosi planning to hold a vote to send impeachment managers and the articles of impeachment to the Senate tomorrow, but the president recently made perhaps the most significant foreign policy decision of his presidency by ordering the death of the Iranian general Qasem Suleimani, taking Iran and the United States to the brink of war. 

And as if that weren’t enough, the debate follows accusations that Sanders told Warren in a 2018 meeting that a woman can’t win the presidency, a claim that Sanders vehemently denies as he accused Warren’s staff of lying and contradicted Warren’s retelling of events. Questions about the details of this meeting and the stark divide between the two candidates’ claims on the subject will likely emerge tonight among questions on a bevy of other topics.

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As the primary process has continued, the field of Democrats who qualify for the debate stage has narrowed to just six, including two women and no one of color. Andrew Yang, the only non-white candidate who qualified for the last debate, did not meet the requirements for this one, resulting in a field totally lacking in racial diversity, much to the chagrin of progressive members of the party. Questions concerning racial justice are likely to arise tonight, and while Democrats onstage will surely lament the lack of candidates of color among them, their comments about race are likely to be considered with scrutiny among non-white voters, many of whom are disappointed about the lack of diversity remaining among the front-runners.

Given the questions about the potential for conflict in the Middle East and the country’s desire to avoid war with Iran, Sanders and Biden are likely to butt heads over their differing votes in 2002 about the invasion of Iraq; Biden voted for the attack while Sanders, famously, voted against it. The decision to invade Iraq was based on the false claim that there existed weapons of mass destruction in the region; none were found, and the Iraq war is now largely considered to have been a mistake. Biden has previously defended his decision to vote in favor of the Iraq War, arguing that it was the best decision to make given the information that was available at the time. Sanders has accused the former vice president of having poor judgment in his decision on Iraq before and will likely do so again, and Biden will likely attempt to justify his choice rather than admit a mistake and apologize for it, in keeping with his prior comments on the matter.

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At this relatively-early point in the primary, Biden remains the clear leader, with Sanders gaining momentum thanks to strong poll numbers in Ohio and a massive fundraising haul of $34.5 million last quarter. While Biden consistently polls better than any other candidate, Sanders has perhaps the most loyal and energized coalition of voters, many of whom contributed small-dollar donations to the campaign, allowing for more ad buys, staff, and local organization. Biden’s performances in recent debates have been given mixed reviews, and although he’s consistently been placed center-stage as the unambiguous front-runner, he has failed to make himself the center of attention in past debates, with that honor going to contenders like Senator Kamala Harris and Pete Buttigieg. 

Given the presence of billionaire Tom Steyer on the debate stage, who has gained popularity by investing his massive personal fortune into his presidential campaign, the question of campaign finance reform is likely to be introduced. The two progressive candidates have made a point of demonstrating that they are not beholden to wealthy donors by refusing to accept their contributions. Sanders has spoken consistently of the importance of not taking money from large corporations, instead relying on small individual contributions, a strategy that has proven financially successful for him, and Warren has called out Buttigieg for meeting with wealthy donors in “wine caves,” a comment that led the former South Bend mayor to accuse her of hypocrisy. Given the fact that former candidate Senator Harris has cited a lack of funds in her decision to drop out of the race, Steyer is likely to be looked at with extra scrutiny tonight as he may be called on to justify the financial aspect of his campaign.

Health Quote

Dr. Sanjay Gupta: Uncovering the Secrets to a Happier, Healthier Life

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Dr. Sanjay Gupta has proven that the occupations of journalism and medicine can have very much in common.

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Impeachment Trial

Speaker Pelosi Directs Congress to Draft Articles of Impeachment

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During a brief formal address conducted yesterday morning, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi publicly announced that she had asked members of Congress to begin drafting articles of impeachment, removing virtually all doubt that President Trump will become the third president in American history to be impeached. As such, yesterday was an important day in American history, as presidential impeachment is a constitutional provision meant to be employed only in the most dire of circumstances. 

Accordingly, Pelosi took the occasion to urge members of Congress and the American public to treat the proceedings soberly, somberly, and prayerfully, emphasizing that she considers the impeachment of an American president to be a sad and serious thing. Pelosi considers this impeachment as having nothing to do with politics and everything to do with the Constitution, saying that members of Congress have an obligation to proceed with it even if it might hurt Democrats’ chances of reelection next year. According to Pelosi, impeachment is now a necessary step for members of Congress to honor their oath of office to defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

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Later that day, Pelosi held a press conference during which she fielded questions about impeachment as well as questions about legislation, including a bill designed to lower the cost of prescription drugs. While most of the conference was relatively standard, involving questions that Pelosi had already answered in other contexts, a notable interaction transpired just as Pelosi was preparing to end the event. As she left the podium, a reporter asked Pelosi whether she hates the President, prompting an angry rebuke from the Speaker. “I don’t hate anybody,” she said, returning to the podium. “This is about the Constitution of the United States and the facts that lead to the president’s violation of his oath of office. And as a Catholic, I resent your using the word ‘hate’ in a sentence that addresses me. I don’t hate anyone… So don’t mess with me when it comes to words like that.”

The moment, involving an unusual display of strong emotion from the Speaker, highlighted the atmosphere of tension surrounding congressional proceedings during a time when the ideological and partisan divide that characterizes American politics has perhaps never been so wide. Shortly afterwards, the hashtag #DontMessWithNancy trended on Twitter, and while some commentators on the right criticized the Speaker for her passionate answer, others praised Pelosi for her response to a question that was characterized as accusatory and unfair.

While Pelosi may not wish to be remembered for impeachment, given the import of the present moment, it is likely that historians will consider the reluctant choice to impeach the most important decision of her career and indeed among the most important decisions made in American history.

Last night, Pelosi participated in a town hall event hosted by CNN during which she answered questions from the audience and from CNN reporter Jake Tapper. Predictably, most of the questions concerned impeachment, though at one point Pelosi requested that the audience ask about other topics. In response to a question about how she wanted to be remembered for her role in the impeachment process, Pelosi replied that she did not want to be remembered for impeachment but instead for her role in passing legislation like the Affordable Care Act which had a positive effect on people’s lives. That being said, Pelosi explained that she hoped people would understand that she is not happy about impeaching Trump, but that his actions left her with no choice, as she believes that the president had directly violated his oath of office and that American democracy is in jeopardy as a result. Forebodingly, she warned that “civilization as we know it is at stake” in the 2020 election.

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Pelosi had long resisted the idea of impeaching Trump, despite immense pressure from within her own party to hold the president accountable for obstruction of justice offenses as outlined in the Mueller Report. She considers impeachment to be a constitutional remedy to be employed only in the most dire of circumstances, and had nine months ago expressed that President Trump was “just not worth it.” Indeed, Pelosi is no stranger to pressure from Democrats to impeach a president, as calls for impeachment were made during the Bush administration in the aftermath of the invasion of Iraq despite the lack of good evidence that weapons of mass destruction existed in the country. During this episode, while Pelosi understood clearly that insufficient intelligence existed to justify invading Iraq, she did not consider impeaching Bush for it, as she thought that this was not a matter that involved violations of the Constitution.

Pelosi, however, articulated the circumstances that led her to change her mind by quoting Thomas Paine, who during the American Revolution opined that “the times have found us.” While Pelosi may not wish to be remembered for impeachment, given the import of the present moment, it is likely that historians will consider the reluctant choice to impeach the most important decision of her career and indeed among the most important decisions made in American history.

Reusable Straws

Reusable Straws Are Just A Baby Step To Actually Resolving Climate Change

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Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts is “calling the whole thing a sideshow meant to distract from the larger issue of overhauling the energy industry and forcing corporations to reduce emissions.”

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