S. Media, the Internet and Artificial Intelligence: Competition, Copyright, and Consumer Protection

Traditionally called upon primarily to assist writers and publishers in gaining access to information and defending against defamation claims, media lawyers have needed to be versed in areas of the law like prior restraints under the First Amendment, libel and invasion of privacy, freedom of information and other open access requests, licensing of rights, and the newsgatherers’ privilege. The rise of search, social media, and generative artificial intelligence has fundamentally changed the media industry, as dominant technology platforms have intermediated themselves between publishers and readers, and by extension changed the role of media lawyers, requiring them to become proficient in areas of the law like antitrust, unfair competition, and consumer protection, and to engage in generational AI-related copyright litigation. Taught by the general counsel of a global media company, this seminar covers developments in high-stakes cases currently moving through the courts while exploring the ongoing re-examination of the legal doctrines that govern the complex relationships between traditional media and tech. It will also provide insights into the role of in-house counsel in advising and representing a corporate entity.