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NBCJul 30, 2023
Thousands of Writers Urge AI Not to Use Their Work Without Permission
Image copyright: Wikimedia Commons
The Facts
Thousands of writers, including authors Margaret Atwood, Jonathan Franzen, James Patterson, Suzanne Collins, and Viet Thanh Nguyen, have signed a letter calling on AI companies to stop using their copyrighted work without permission. The letter was addressed to the CEOs of OpenAI, Meta, Microsoft, Alphabet, IBM, and Stability AI.
The more than 8K authors are also requesting payment for past and ongoing use of their works when featured in generative AI programs and in AI output, regardless of whether it breaks the law.
The Spin
Narrative A
While current copyright laws may not cover this novel phenomenon, these billion-dollar AI companies still have a moral duty to share any profits that are made off the backs of hardworking artists. Writers, authors, and musicians are facing a dire economic outlook as their industries are rapidly outpaced by technological innovation. Creative professions will always be paramount to a strong society, and it's up to the tech giants in charge to even the playing field.
Narrative B
The question surrounding AI development with copyrighted material is more complicated than it seems. While companies can't make blanket fair use claims for any and all copyrighted work, they certainly can make a case if their AI training is for nonprofit or educational purposes. Courts can also, as has happened in the past, rule in favor of AI companies if their goal is not to reproduce copyrighted work for consumption but rather turn it into something new. Future court cases will have to determine the legal framework of this issue.