The Meta company is making moves that could reshape the relationship between Big Tech and news publishers. According to reports, Meta is in early talks with major media giants including Axel Springer, Fox Corp., and News Corp. to license content for its AI tools across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
This isn’t Meta’s first step. In 2024, it signed a deal with Reuters, while rivals like OpenAI have already struck licensing agreements with publishers. Now, Meta is trying to scale this model to fuel its next generation of AI tools.
Why Meta Wants Deals
Meta’s goal is clear:
- Secure credible, licensed news content for AI training and citation.
- Improve accuracy and reduce legal risks.
- Position its AI products as more trustworthy compared to unlicensed competitors.
What Publishers Want
Publishers aren’t handing over content easily. They’re pushing for:
- Payments (flat fees or revenue share).
- Attribution for their work.
- Usage limits (training vs. live citation).
- Audit rights to track how their material is used.
The Risks
Negotiations face big hurdles. Publishers have high demands, disputes over AI training remain unresolved, and regulators are watching closely. At this stage, talks are exploratory and no agreements have been signed. A final outcome may take months.
For readers, this means Meta is quietly setting up a future where AI-generated answers inside its platforms pull directly from licensed, paid-for news sources—if deals go through.
Curious about Meta’s other plans? Don’t miss: Meta Connect 2025 Leak Just Exposed the Future of Smart Glasses – What Zuckerberg Didn’t Want You to See.
