Apple is embarking on a groundbreaking journey to utilize external texts and photographs for training its artificial intelligence systems within legal boundaries. The tech giant is prepared to invest up to $50 million to access publishers’ archives, The New York Times reports. This initiative emerges as a proactive response to the growing concerns over copyright issues associated with training large language models using publicly available data.

Until recently, Apple’s plans in the realm of artificial intelligence remained somewhat ambiguous. However, The New York Times reveals that the company is currently negotiating with leading English-language publishers to secure rights to use their content.

Some publishers surveyed by The New York Times expressed apprehensions about partnering with tech giants, considering past unfavorable experiences with companies like Meta (recognized as an extremist organization in some countries). Concerns primarily revolve around the uncertain terms of collaboration and the potential liabilities for Apple’s use of their intellectual property.

Another issue at hand is how Apple intends to deploy these AI systems within the news industry. There’s a looming fear that Apple might eventually become a competitor to these publishers.

Nevertheless, market players have positively acknowledged Apple’s approach of seeking permissions first, unlike some AI developers who consider licensing issues only after starting to work with the materials. This strategy by Apple marks a conscientious shift in how tech companies engage with intellectual property in the age of AI.