OpenAI’s Media Manager Stalls Amidst EU Digital Law Challenges
OpenAI’s Media Manager, a tool announced in May to allow creators to control the inclusion of their works in AI training data, remains undeveloped seven months later. Despite initial promises, the tool has not been prioritized internally, as indicated by former employees and collaborators. OpenAI’s legal team member, Fred von Lohmann, who was involved in the project, has shifted to a part-time consultant role, further signaling the tool’s uncertain future. The company has not provided updates on the tool’s progress or potential launch features.
The Media Manager was intended to address intellectual property concerns by enabling creators to identify and manage their copyrighted materials across various media formats. However, experts doubt its effectiveness in resolving legal challenges surrounding AI and IP usage. They argue that it might unfairly place the burden on creators to control AI training, potentially leading to unauthorized use of their works. Critics also highlight the challenges of implementing such a tool at scale, given the complexities of content identification and the dynamic nature of online content distribution.
OpenAI’s current opt-out mechanisms have been criticized as inadequate, lacking specific processes for written works, videos, or audio recordings. The Media Manager was pitched as a comprehensive solution to these issues but has yet to materialize. The company’s approach to IP concerns remains under scrutiny, as it faces multiple lawsuits from creators alleging unauthorized use of their works in AI training.
In the absence of the Media Manager, OpenAI relies on filters to prevent its models from replicating training examples and continues to assert fair use protections in ongoing legal battles. The outcome of these disputes could significantly impact the company’s strategy and the broader AI industry’s approach to intellectual property. OpenAI’s stance on the necessity of using copyrighted materials for competitive AI training highlights the ongoing tension between technological advancement and IP rights.
Source: Exclusive: OpenAI failed to deliver the opt-out tool it promised by 2025
