In a recent interview with CNBC, Mustafa Suleyman, the CEO of Microsoft AI, made a provocative statement that could have far-reaching implications for the tech giant and its intellectual property policies. Suleyman proposed the notion of “freeware” for content available on the open web, thereby challenging the conventional interpretation of copyright law. This controversial stance has raised eyebrows, particularly in light of Microsoft’s stringent licensing agreements for its own software products like Windows and Office.
In the interview, Suleyman asserted that content on the open web adheres to a social contract that has been in place since the 1990s and is considered fair use. “I think that with respect to content that’s already on the open web, the social contract of that content since the nineties has been that it is fair use,” Suleyman stated. “Anyone can copy it, recreate with it, reproduce with it. That has been freeware, if you like, that’s been the understanding.”
This perspective appears to be at odds with Microsoft’s official stance on intellectual property. For instance, users must adhere to strict terms of use when downloading Windows 11 from the Microsoft website. Microsoft’s licensing agreement explicitly forbids unauthorised reproduction or distribution of its software, stating that users must not “publish, copy (other than the permitted backup copy), rent, lease, or lend the software,” nor “work around any technical restrictions or limitations in the software.”
The FAQ section on Microsoft’s download site further emphasises this point: “If a work is in the public domain, it may be freely used without permission from the creator of the work.” However, just because a work is available online does not mean it’s in the public domain or free to use.” This directly contradicts Suleyman’s implication that web content is free for all to use.
Under US copyright law, the distinction Suleyman makes between content types does not exist. Copyright protects all forms of original works, including literary, musical, artistic, and even computer software. The U.S. Copyright Office clarifies, “Your work is under copyright protection the moment it is created and fixed in a tangible form that is perceptible either directly or with the aid of a machine or device.“
This legal framework is why numerous AI companies, including Microsoft and its partner OpenAI, face lawsuits for scraping data from the web to train their AI models. In December, The New York Times sued OpenAI and Microsoft for “billions of dollars” in damages, alleging unlawful use of their content. This ongoing legal battle will likely determine whether the “social contract” Suleyman refers to holds any legal weight.
One could interpret Suleyman’s comments as an attempt to defend the use of web content for AI model training without explicit permission. However, this stance risks undermining the very principles of copyright law that protect creators’ rights. While the idea of web content as freeware might appeal to some, it could also lead to increased legal challenges and a potential reevaluation of how companies like Microsoft approach intellectual property.
As Microsoft navigates this controversial territory, it remains crucial for users and creators to understand their rights and responsibilities regarding online content. The ongoing legal cases will provide further insight into the potential acceptance or rejection of Suleyman’s interpretation by the courts.
In conclusion, while Suleyman’s statements have sparked a debate on the nature of web content and fair use, it is essential to remember that existing copyright laws still apply. Until any legal changes are made, it is advisable to respectintellectual property rights and avoid the unauthorised use of protected content.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always conduct your own research and consult with legal professionals before making decisions related to intellectual property and copyright law.