Perplexity, an AI search startup, has secured a multi-year licensing agreement with Getty Images, allowing it to display Getty’s images within its search tools. This partnership is significant for Perplexity, which has faced criticism over content scraping and plagiarism allegations. Previously, Getty was indirectly involved with Perplexity through its Publishers’ Program, which aimed to share ad revenue with publishers when their content appeared in search results. However, this new agreement formalizes their relationship and potentially legitimizes Perplexity’s past use of Getty's images. The specifics of the deal remain unclear, as it differs from traditional licensing agreements. Perplexity does not train its own foundational models, which complicates the typical licensing structure. Allegations against Perplexity include instances of using content from major publications like the Wall Street Journal without permission, raising questions of copyright infringement. Recently, Reddit has also filed a lawsuit against Perplexity for what it claims is large-scale scraping of user content. In response to these challenges, Perplexity is emphasizing proper attribution and credit for images, stating that this approach will help mitigate copyright concerns. Jessica Chan from Perplexity highlighted the importance of transparency in AI-driven content, while Getty’s Nick Unsworth noted that the deal acknowledges the value of consent in enhancing AI products. This move signals a shift towards more responsible use of digital content in an era where copyright issues are increasingly prevalent.