Reddit's AI Scraping Fight: Judge Denies Key Dismissal

In a significant development for AI data access, a judge has largely denied a motion to dismiss filed by web scraper SerpApi. The ruling permits Reddit's claims to proceed, which allege a conspiracy between SerpApi and Perplexity AI. Reddit contends that these companies illegally scraped copyrighted content from Google search results.

US District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer found that Reddit has plausibly pleaded a conspiracy. This involves SerpApi allegedly providing a product to circumvent Google's access controls, with Perplexity AI paying for this service. The decision contrasts with a recent dismissal of a similar action brought by Google, highlighting the nuances in legal arguments surrounding AI scraping.

Reddit's core argument is that SerpApi and Perplexity AI conspired to access copyrighted material protected by technological measures. While Google's earlier case faltered on proving authorization, Reddit's more specific claims about its licensing agreement with Google appear to have resonated with the court. This includes ensuring deleted user content is removed from partner platforms, a promise now allegedly compromised by unsanctioned scraping.

The ruling could empower Reddit to seek licensing agreements from AI scrapers and block unauthorized access. Reddit seeks injunctions against SerpApi and Perplexity AI's access to Reddit and Google websites, and against the use of previously scraped data. SerpApi maintains it accesses public search results, not Reddit's platform, and argues public information should not be monetized through restrictive means.