The New York Times and Amazon Strike Landmark AI Content Licensing Deal

Nearly two years after filing a copyright lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft, The New York Times has granted Amazon a license to use its editorial content for training the company's artificial intelligence systems.
According to a statement from The Times, the arrangement will integrate the publisher's journalistic work into various Amazon products and services. This includes general news reporting, content from its NYT Cooking platform, and material from its sports site, The Athletic.
The company also indicated that Amazon's application of this licensed content may be featured within the Alexa software on its smart speaker devices.
"Whenever relevant to the customer experience on Amazon's platforms, they will include direct links to Times properties, allowing users to access the complete content," New York Times spokesperson Danielle Rhoades Ha explained to TechCrunch.
Financial details of the agreement were not made public. This marks Amazon's first known licensing pact of this kind, whereas OpenAI has established several similar agreements with publishers including The Washington Post, The Atlantic, The Guardian, NewsCorp, and Axel Springer.
This agreement represents The New York Times's first generative AI-focused licensing deal. It follows the publisher's previous legal action, where it alleged that OpenAI and Microsoft had utilized millions of its articles to train AI models without permission or payment.
"Our consistent strategy is to ensure our journalism is properly valued, whether through commercial agreements or by protecting our intellectual property rights," the spokesperson stated.
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Berkeley, CA | June 5 REGISTER NOW OpenAI and Microsoft have both denied any misconduct in response to the earlier allegations.
This story has been updated to include statements from The New York Times.
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Nearly two years after filing a copyright lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft, The New York Times has granted Amazon a license to use its editorial content for training the company's artificial intelligence systems.
According to a statement from The Times, the arrangement will integrate the publisher's journalistic work into various Amazon products and services. This includes general news reporting, content from its NYT Cooking platform, and material from its sports site, The Athletic.
The company also indicated that Amazon's application of this licensed content may be featured within the Alexa software on its smart speaker devices.
"Whenever relevant to the customer experience on Amazon's platforms, they will include direct links to Times properties, allowing users to access the complete content," New York Times spokesperson Danielle Rhoades Ha explained to TechCrunch.
Financial details of the agreement were not made public. This marks Amazon's first known licensing pact of this kind, whereas OpenAI has established several similar agreements with publishers including The Washington Post, The Atlantic, The Guardian, NewsCorp, and Axel Springer.
This agreement represents The New York Times's first generative AI-focused licensing deal. It follows the publisher's previous legal action, where it alleged that OpenAI and Microsoft had utilized millions of its articles to train AI models without permission or payment.
"Our consistent strategy is to ensure our journalism is properly valued, whether through commercial agreements or by protecting our intellectual property rights," the spokesperson stated.
Techcrunch eventRegister Now for TechCrunch Sessions: AI and Save Through June 4
Save $300 on your pass to TC Sessions: AI, plus receive 50% off a second ticket. Join a full day of expert talks, interactive workshops, and valuable networking with leaders from OpenAI, Anthropic, Khosla Ventures, and more. These discounted rates are available only until the event begins on June 5.
Exhibit Your Company at TechCrunch Sessions: AI
Secure an exhibition table at TC Sessions: AI and present your innovations to an audience of 1,200+ industry leaders. This cost-effective opportunity is available through May 9 or until tables sell out.
Berkeley, CA | June 5 REGISTER NOWOpenAI and Microsoft have both denied any misconduct in response to the earlier allegations.
This story has been updated to include statements from The New York Times.
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