OpenAI and Google are actively advocating for the U. S. government to classify AI training on copyrighted materials as "fair use, " framing their efforts as crucial for national security and a means to maintain a competitive edge against rivals like China. Their recent policy proposals, submitted to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, argue that restricting AI training on copyrighted content could hinder technological innovation and, by extension, national security. OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman refers to the current era as the "Intelligence Age, " asserting that U. S. advancement in AI is fundamental for national prosperity and democratic values. Google echoes this sentiment, criticizing existing copyright laws as overly stringent and suggesting that clearer fair use permissions are essential for American innovation. Both companies warn that failure to efficiently train AI systems might cede technological leadership to China, where regulations are less restrictive. The recent controversy surrounding Meta illustrates the risks of broadening fair use. Accusations of copyright infringement arose when Meta allegedly used copyrighted texts to train its models without permission, sparking lawsuits from authors who condemned these actions as piracy.

French publishers have also launched legal challenges against Meta for systematic copyright violations in its AI training practices, reflecting a growing global backlash against unregulated use of creative works. Despite claims that AI models learn from patterns rather than reproducing copyrighted works, critics argue that these models still replicate significant aspects of the original materials, undermining claims of fair use. Experts contend that AI companies should seek permission or compensate creators for their content. Ongoing lawsuits against AI firms could prompt necessary industry changes, pushing for true intelligence in AI rather than mere data compression. Central to the debate is the fair use doctrine, which permits limited transformative use of copyrighted material. However, recent court rulings question whether AI-generated outputs genuinely transform original works or disrupt established markets. Relying solely on fair use poses risks for AI companies, as legal challenges mount. OpenAI and Google's national security arguments raise concerns about regulatory loopholes that could weaken intellectual property protections under the guise of geopolitical threats. To ensure a balanced approach, recommendations include establishing clear federal fair use standards, implementing transparent licensing arrangements, and creating regulated exceptions for AI training. This proposed framework aims to foster innovation while protecting creators’ rights and ensuring ethical AI development, crucial for global competitiveness and fairness.