OpenAI and Microsoft internal documents warn of web damage from data scraping

Internal warnings about data theft

Recently unsealed documents show the companies described their scraping methods as the largest theft of labor in human history. Their own documentation stated these actions would create a doom loop that damages the internet ecosystem. The filings also noted that the practices made a complete mockery of fair use concepts.

Microsoft employee comments disputed

Brent Hecht, Microsoft's Director of Applied Science, provided many of the eye-catching quotes found in the records. A spokesperson later said these comments reflect one employee's individual perspective and do not represent company views. Another executive described Hecht as holding divergent academic views rather than speaking for Microsoft specifically.