Perplexity, the AI search engine often criticised for its approach to content use, has signed a multi-year licensing agreement with Getty Images.
The deal gives Perplexity access to Getty’s vast library of editorial and creative images, integrating them directly into its AI-powered search tools via Getty’s API. It marks a turning point for both companies: Getty gains a new licensing partner in the fast-growing AI market, while Perplexity seeks to legitimise its use of visual content following months of legal and reputational turmoil.
The agreement comes as Perplexity faces multiple lawsuits over alleged scraping and plagiarism. Reddit has accused the startup of “industrial-scale illegal pilfering” of user content, while Japan’s Nikkei and Asahi Shimbun have filed similar claims. The company was also caught using a Wall Street Journal article and a Getty photograph without permission.
Under the terms, Perplexity will prominently credit image sources and link back to Getty’s platform, aiming to educate users on attribution and respect for creators’ rights. The integration is also intended to improve search results by combining text with licensed, high-quality visuals.
Investors swiftly rewarded Getty for the move. Its shares surged nearly 50% at the open before settling with strong gains, reflecting optimism that the AI sector’s “Wild West” era of unlicensed scraping may be nearing an end. Getty, which has also sued Stability AI, has reinforced the commercial value of its archive and signalled that rights owners are reclaiming their role as essential data suppliers in the AI economy.
Although Perplexity publicly describes the deal as a win for both sides, it also represents a pragmatic concession to legal reality. With its credibility under fire, the company is being pushed to collaborate with established content providers. Analysts say this shift underscores a growing consensus that AI firms must engage responsibly with copyright holders if they are to operate sustainably.
Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative is based on a press release dated October 31, 2025, announcing a global multi-year licensing agreement between Perplexity and Getty Images. This is the earliest known publication date for this information. The report includes updated data and addresses recent legal challenges faced by Perplexity, justifying a high freshness score. No earlier versions with different figures, dates, or quotes were found. The content is not republished across low-quality sites or clickbait networks. The press release format typically warrants a high freshness score. No similar content appeared more than 7 days earlier. The article includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The direct quotes from Nick Unsworth, Vice President of Strategic Development at Getty Images, and Jessica Chan, Head of Content and Publisher Partnerships at Perplexity, are unique to this report. No identical quotes appear in earlier material, indicating potentially original or exclusive content. No online matches were found for these quotes, raising the score but flagging them as potentially original or exclusive content.
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative originates from a press release issued by Getty Images, a reputable organisation. This strengthens the credibility of the information presented.
Plausability check
Score:
10
Notes:
The claims made in the narrative are plausible and align with recent developments in the AI and content licensing sectors. The partnership between Perplexity and Getty Images is consistent with industry trends towards formal licensing agreements. The report lacks specific factual anchors, such as names, institutions, and dates, which reduces the score and flags it as potentially synthetic. The language and tone are consistent with corporate press releases, and the structure is focused on the licensing agreement without excessive or off-topic detail. The tone is formal and appropriate for the subject matter.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is based on a recent press release from Getty Images, providing original quotes and information about the licensing agreement with Perplexity. The content is fresh, with no evidence of recycled material or disinformation. The source is reliable, and the claims made are plausible and consistent with industry trends. The lack of specific factual anchors and the formal tone are typical of press releases and do not significantly detract from the overall credibility.
