Axel Springer CEO Mathias Dopfner has discussed his decision to sign a deal with OpenAI, acknowledging that large language models (LLMs) could "completely destroy the media as we know it". Speaking at the INMA World News Media Congress, Dopfner explained that the deal is primarily focused on the content delivery of stories created by Axel Springer and remuneration for that content, rather than data delivery for training purposes.
Dopfner has been a long-time advocate for copyright reform, having fought for 15 years to secure EU copyright reform in 2019. However, he believes that the emergence of LLMs has put the achievements of the past 20 years at risk. This motivated him to approach OpenAI CEO Sam Altman for a deal, which was secured within two months in December 2023.
Dopfner views the public release of ChatGPT in November 2022 as a significant moment, comparing it to the first newspaper website in 1995 and the first smartphone in 2007. He believes that LLMs could either destroy the media or bring about a new beginning, depending on how they are managed.
He warned that LLMs could bypass traditional media by providing users with quick, tailored answers. Despite their well-publicised weaknesses, Dopfner believes that the strengths of LLMs far outweigh them. He encouraged publishers to embrace the possibilities of LLMs, using the productivity savings from generative AI to invest in future-proofing their businesses.
Dopfner also called for a new legal framework to protect intellectual property, stating that traditional copyright laws will not suffice. He believes that collective action is necessary to ensure survival in the face of these technological advancements. He also expressed concern about the potential for bots to undermine democratic institutions, suggesting that politicians are becoming aware of the need for new regulation.
