Perplexity Partners with Getty Images for Content Compliance
Perplexity and Getty Images Announce Licensing Agreement
Artificial intelligence search startup Perplexity has entered into a multi-year licensing agreement with global visual content provider Getty Images, granting the AI company rights to display Getty's extensive photo library within its AI-powered search tools.
Addressing Past Controversies
The partnership marks a strategic shift for Perplexity, which previously faced allegations of content scraping and copyright infringement. Notably, the company was accused of improperly using Getty images from Wall Street Journal articles without authorization.
Long-Standing Relationship Formalized
Sources reveal that Perplexity and Getty have collaborated for over a year through the Publisher Program, an initiative that shares advertising revenue with content providers featured in search results. However, this new agreement represents a more formal arrangement.
The licensing model differs from traditional agreements as Perplexity doesn't train its own foundational models. While specific financial terms remain confidential, the deal legitimizes Perplexity's previous use of Getty content in search results.
Focus on Attribution Standards
The agreement comes amid growing scrutiny of AI companies' content practices:
- Reddit sued Perplexity in October for alleged "massive illegal" content scraping
- Multiple news organizations have accused Perplexity of plagiarism
- Competitors like OpenAI have established data licensing deals (including with Reddit)
Nick Unsworth, Getty's VP of Strategic Development, stated: "This agreement acknowledges the importance of proper attribution and its value in enhancing artificial intelligence products."
Jessica Chan, Perplexity's Head of Content Partnerships, emphasized: "In the AI age, attribution and accuracy are crucial for understanding our world. We're committed to powerful visual storytelling while ensuring users always know content sources."
The partnership includes provisions for:
- Clear source attribution when displaying images
- Direct links to original content providers
- Compliance with copyright standards
Key Points:
- Multi-year deal grants Perplexity legal access to Getty's image library
- Addresses past copyright concerns through formal licensing structure
- Builds on existing Publisher Program relationship
- Includes robust attribution requirements
- Part of broader industry trend toward licensed AI training data