In a landmark lawsuit, News Corp's Dow Jones and the New York Post have accused AI startup Perplexity of engaging in "content kleptocracy" by copying and misrepresenting original content on a massive scale. The lawsuit alleges that Perplexity's AI "answer engine" duplicates copyrighted news content, analysis, and opinion to generate responses to user queries, thereby competing with News Corp's own publications for audience engagement and revenue.

This is not the first time Perplexity has faced accusations of copyright infringement, with Forbes and The New York Times having previously called out the startup. The lawsuit seeks $150,000 per infringement, plus profits, and could result in astronomical damages if the evidence is deemed sufficient.

The case highlights the growing concern over AI companies' use of copyrighted material and the need for clearer guidelines on intellectual property in the AI era. As the industry continues to evolve, this lawsuit may set a precedent for how AI startups operate and interact with traditional media outlets.