Microsoft unveils AI licensing hub to pay publishers for model training
Microsoft is developing the Publisher Content Marketplace (PCM), an AI licensing hub that displays usage terms set by publishers, enabling AI companies to shop for deals on online content used to “ground” their models while providing content owners usage-based reporting for pricing.
The PCM emerges as Microsoft collaborates closely with major publishers in its codesign process. Participating companies include Vox Media, the parent of The Verge; The Associated Press; Condé Nast; People; and others. This initiative addresses challenges in the AI sector, where development has relied heavily on ingesting vast amounts of online content without compensation to creators.
Publishers face declining traffic from traditional sources like search engines amid the AI boom. In response, many have pursued legal action or negotiated licensing agreements. Specific examples include copyright lawsuits filed by The New York Times and The Intercept against both Microsoft and OpenAI, highlighting tensions over unauthorized use of journalistic material in AI training.
Separately, publishers support the Really Simple Licensing (RSL) open standard. This framework embeds licensing terms directly into websites, specifying payment requirements for bots scraping content. RSL aims to sustain digital media operations in an AI-driven environment. Microsoft’s announcement on PCM did not address any potential integration or interaction between RSL and the new marketplace.
The Verge contacted Microsoft seeking additional details about PCM operations and features but received no immediate reply. Microsoft positions the platform to deliver targeted benefits. According to the company, “publishers will be paid on delivered value, and AI builders gain scalable access to licensed premium content that improves their products.”
PCM extends support across the publishing spectrum, accommodating large organizations alongside independent publications. Microsoft emphasizes a shift in digital economics. The company states that “The open web was built on an implicit value exchange where publishers made content accessible, and distribution channels — like search — helped people find it.” This arrangement facilitated broad content discovery and access.
Microsoft continues, “That model does not translate cleanly to an AI‑first world, where answers are increasingly delivered in a conversation.” The platform has advanced to onboarding initial partners, such as Yahoo, during its pilot phase, with plans for broader expansion ahead.