French AI Startup, Founded By Google And Meta Veterans, Signs Million-Dollar Content Moderation Deal With AFP To Counter Big Tech's Pullback

In a significant development, French artificial intelligence startup Mistral AI, co-founded by veterans from Google and Meta, has inked a million-dollar content moderation deal with Agence France-Presse (AFP). This strategic partnership comes at a time when Big Tech companies like Meta Platforms Inc. (META) and Elon Musk's X (formerly Twitter) have reduced content moderation, raising concerns about misinformation and biased content.

Mistral AI, founded in May 2023 by industry heavyweights, has already raised €105 million in June and an additional €385 million in a second round of financing led by Andreessen Horowitz. The company's latest funding round values Mistral AI at €2 billion, making it one of Europe's two AI leaders. With this new partnership, Mistral AI is set to incorporate over 2,000 AFP articles in six languages into its chatbot, Le Chat, daily.



This deal is not a one-off settlement for data, unlike similar agreements that companies like OpenAI have struck with other media groups. Instead, it is a testament to Mistral AI's commitment to independent, fact-based journalism and a long-term partnership with AFP. The partnership comes as AFP seeks to offset revenue losses from its fact-checking contract with Meta, which generated about €20 million (approximately $20.57 million) in 2024.

By incorporating well-grounded information from AFP's articles into Le Chat, Mistral AI addresses the challenges posed by Big Tech's reduced content moderation. This collaboration ensures that the chatbot provides users with reliable, fact-based information, mitigating the risks associated with misinformation and biased content. The partnership also reflects Mistral AI's dedication to countering the offensive by Big Tech on European regulation and the weaponization of "free speech" against Europe.

In conclusion, the partnership between Mistral AI and AFP is a strategic move that benefits both parties. For AFP, it generates additional revenue through content licensing and diversifies its revenue streams. For Mistral AI, it enhances the chatbot's credibility and provides access to a vast repository of reliable, fact-based information. This deal is a step in the right direction for both companies, as they navigate the changing landscape of AI and content moderation.