Tell NYT, Atlantic, USA Today to keep Wayback Machine

Major media outlets including the New York Times, The Atlantic, and USA Today are being urged to publicly commit to working with the Internet Archive to preserve their journalism in the Wayback Machine, after recent reports that these outlets have taken steps to block archiving of their content.

Since February 2024, the New York Times has instructed the Internet Archive to cease archiving its articles, according to reports. Meanwhile, USA Today has published impactful stories that rely on the Wayback Machine for verification but has blocked the archiving of its own content, Wired reported. Over 100 journalists delivered a letter praising the Internet Archive’s role in preserving journalism, but some major outlets, including The Atlantic, have not committed to a solution, with the CEO of The Atlantic offering only a non-committal response.

The petition, authored by advocates and journalists, emphasizes that the ability to preserve news is critical for press freedom, accountability, and historical record, especially amid rising censorship and authoritarian pressures. It highlights that the Internet Archive has been archiving news longer than many current journalists have been alive and argues that AI’s rise is an unnecessary justification for blocking archiving, as AI companies can easily bypass publisher controls.

Why It Matters

This development is significant because it touches on the core issues of press freedom, transparency, and the preservation of historical record. The blocking of archiving by major outlets could threaten the availability of journalistic work in future generations and weaken checks on power. The petition underscores that integrity and trustworthiness are vital qualities of the Internet Archive, and that protecting the preservation of journalism is in the public interest, especially as authoritarianism and censorship grow worldwide.

Background

The issue emerged in early 2024 when major media outlets, including the New York Times, began instructing the Internet Archive to stop archiving their content. This move coincides with broader debates about AI, data rights, and content control. Historically, the Internet Archive has been a key player in preserving digital history, including news articles, and has faced challenges from publishers concerned about content control and monetization. The recent actions by these outlets mark a significant shift in their approach to digital preservation and raise questions about future access to their journalism.

“The Internet Archive remains committed to preserving journalism and hopes media outlets will collaborate to ensure their work is accessible for future generations.”

— A spokesperson for the Internet Archive

“We are reviewing our policies regarding archiving, but no decision has been made yet.”

— CEO of The Atlantic

“Journalists and the public deserve to have access to the record of our times. Blocking archiving jeopardizes this fundamental right.”

— Petition organizer

What Remains Unclear

It remains unclear whether major outlets will ultimately agree to collaborate with the Internet Archive or continue blocking archiving. The reasons cited, including concerns about AI and content control, are contested, and the extent of future cooperation is uncertain. Additionally, the long-term impact of these actions on digital preservation remains to be seen.

What’s Next

Next steps include ongoing negotiations between the Internet Archive and media outlets, public pressure from journalists and advocacy groups, and potential policy discussions about digital preservation standards. Media organizations may issue formal statements or revise their archiving policies in response to the petition and public scrutiny.

Key Questions

Why are some media outlets blocking archiving of their content?

They cite concerns about AI, content control, and proprietary rights, but critics argue these are often exaggerated or unfounded, and that blocking harms public access and historical record.

What is the significance of the Wayback Machine for journalism?

The Wayback Machine preserves snapshots of news websites, ensuring that articles remain accessible even if they are later removed or censored, thus supporting transparency and accountability.

Can the Internet Archive continue its work without cooperation from major outlets?

Yes, but its ability to archive all important journalism will be limited if key outlets refuse cooperation, potentially creating gaps in the historical record.

What are the implications for press freedom if outlets continue to block archiving?

It could set a precedent for restricting access to journalistic work, weaken public accountability, and facilitate censorship efforts by powerful interests.