CNN giving Google AI access to content

CNN (WBD) is joining forces with Google GOOG GOOGL to use the tech giant’s AI capabilities to enhance the news organization’s engagement while also providing Google GOOG GOOGL access to CNN’s content for AI-generated responses.

According to Variety, the deal is in the early stages, as neither CNN SKYD nor Google GOOG GOOGL have disclosed how CNN will incorporate AI to drive audiences towards its content.

But in a statement on the company’s website, CNN’s senior vice president of strategic partnerships and business development acknowledged the partnership “will unlock new pathways for audiences to access CNN’s unparalleled journalism while being compensated for the delivery and use of our unique intellectual property in connection with AI products.”

The partnership with Google GOOG GOOGL gives CNN an avenue to generate additional revenue from its content, an issue that led the news network to sue Perplexity last May.

In its complaint, CNN accused Perplexity of unlawfully scraping, copying, and distributing content without permission or compensation.

The copyright and trademark infringement lawsuit remains pending. In August, Perplexity filed a motion for the judge in the case to scale back the scope of CNN’s lawsuit, arguing that Perplexity cannot be held liable for the automated responses generated by its user prompts.