Amazon Web Services is developing a content licensing platform that would connect publishers directly with artificial intelligence developers, according to reports from multiple industry sources.
The proposed marketplace would enable media companies to sell articles, archives, and datasets to AI firms through structured agreements.
Internal AWS slides circulated before a publisher conference this week positioned the platform alongside core AI products including Bedrock and Quick Suite analytics tools.
Amazon's initiative follows Microsoft's recent introduction of its Publisher Content Marketplace, which provides usage-based compensation and transparent reporting for content used in AI systems. Microsoft's platform includes partnerships with The Associated Press, Business Insider, Condé Nast, Vox Media, Hearst Magazines, People, and USA Today, among others.
The move addresses growing legal conflicts between content creators and AI companies over training data. Publishers have filed lawsuits alleging copyright infringement, while simultaneously seeking sustainable revenue models as AI-generated summaries reduce website traffic.
Industry sources indicate publishers prefer compensation structures that scale with how often their content powers AI responses, rather than flat licensing fees.
This shift comes as some media outlets report click-through rate declines of 80-90 percent due to AI search summaries.
Amazon maintains existing content agreements, including a reported $20 million annual payment to The New York Times for AI training data and Alexa features. The company recently launched a web-based Alexa Plus service incorporating material from over 200 media organizations.
When questioned about the marketplace plans, an Amazon representative acknowledged the company's "long-lasting, relationships with publishers" but declined to confirm specific details. The spokesperson stated Amazon had "nothing specific to share on this subject at this time."
The platform would expand Amazon's existing content licensing agreements, such as its reported $20 million annual payment to The New York Times, into a broader marketplace connecting publishers with AI developers seeking legally secure training data.
Amazon's partnership with Anthropic is expected to involve approximately $19 billion in combined inference and training costs during 2026.
