Perplexity AI has announced a global multi-year licensing agreement with Getty Images, granting the AI startup access to a vast array of photographs and other visual content. This partnership aims to enhance the user experience by integrating Getty Images’ creative and editorial imagery into Perplexity’s AI-powered search and discovery tools.
The agreement allows Perplexity to utilize Getty Images’ content through its API technology. This integration seeks to create a richer visual experience for users, enabling them to engage more effectively with the information presented.
In a statement, Jessica Chan, head of content and publisher partnerships at Perplexity, emphasized the importance of attribution and accuracy in responsible AI usage. She remarked, “Getty Images shares our belief that the future of AI-powered discovery requires respecting the creators behind the content.” This commitment to proper attribution is a significant aspect of the agreement, which includes improvements to how images are displayed, ensuring that credits and links to sources are prominently featured.
Context of the Agreement and Industry Trends
This partnership between Perplexity AI and Getty Images comes at a time when the relationship between AI companies and content creators is under scrutiny. In June 2023, social media platform Reddit filed a lawsuit against AI company Anthropic, claiming that the firm scraped user data without permission. Similarly, a coalition of eight US newspapers initiated a federal court lawsuit against Microsoft and OpenAI in 2022, alleging that the tech companies utilized their articles to train generative AI models without obtaining the necessary permissions.
In contrast, OpenAI has proactively sought partnerships with various media organizations, including the Financial Times and multinational media company Axel Springer, to secure rights for using their content. These agreements highlight a growing trend in the industry, as companies navigate the complex landscape of AI content usage and creator rights.
The collaboration between Perplexity and Getty Images is a notable example of how AI companies can engage with content creators in a manner that respects their rights. By prioritizing proper attribution and enhancing visibility for creators, this partnership sets a standard for future agreements in the industry.
As AI continues to evolve, the dynamics between technology firms and content providers will likely remain a critical area of focus, with partnerships like this potentially shaping the future of content discovery and utilization.
