Ziff Davis Fights AI Content: CEO Vivek Shah Voices Concerns
Ziff Davis, a prominent technology and media company, has been in the news for its efforts to combat AI-generated content. While the company has not provided specific details about implementing RSL standards to block AI bots, industry experts like Vivek Shah, Ziff Davis' CEO, have expressed concerns about the impact of AI on objective purchasing decisions and the publishing industry.
A Reuters Institute survey revealed that only 12% of people are comfortable with fully AI-generated news. This sentiment is echoed by Shah, who believes humans prefer content created by humans. The prevalence of AI-generated content across platforms like Instagram Reels, film, music, and publishing industries has raised concerns. Publishers are taking steps to protect their content, including using the RSL standard to block AI crawlers and signing content licensing deals with AI companies like OpenAI.
The publishing industry has faced significant challenges in recent years. In 2025, there were notable drops in internet traffic and layoffs. Companies like Ziff Davis and the New York Times have taken legal action against OpenAI for scraping journalistic content without licensing deals. Similarly, Penske Media sued Google over its use of AI Overviews, alleging content theft and circumventing article clicks.
The rise of AI-generated content has sparked a debate about its impact on the publishing industry and consumer preferences. While AI content is prevalent, human preference for human-generated content is evident. Publishers are taking proactive measures to protect their content, with legal actions and the use of standards like RSL. However, the future of AI in content creation continues to evolve, with potential implications for the industry and consumers alike.
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