ASCAP Urges AI Companies to Respect Creators' Rights
In a recent document filed to the U.S. Copyright Office, ASCAP, represented by content writer Rachel Sherman, emphasizes the importance of AI companies obtaining licenses from copyright owners to train their models. They also advocate for a new federal right of publicity to address the misuse of creators' image, likeness, and voice facilitated by AI tools. Discover ASCAP's concerns and their call for protecting creators' rights in the AI industry.
The Importance of Licensing for AI Companies
AI companies rely on training their models using vast amounts of data. However, ASCAP, represented by content writer Rachel Sherman, emphasizes the need for these companies to obtain proper licenses from copyright owners before using their works for training purposes. This ensures that creators' rights are respected and protected.
By obtaining licenses, AI companies can demonstrate their commitment to ethical practices and acknowledge the value of creators' work. It also ensures that creators receive fair compensation for the use of their copyrighted material in AI training.
Addressing Misuse of Creators' Image, Likeness, and Voice
ASCAP, in their document filed to the U.S. Copyright Office, highlights the potential risks posed by AI tools in misusing creators' image, likeness, and voice. They argue that a new federal right of publicity is crucial to protect artists' livelihoods and prevent unauthorized use.
Voice-cloning technology, for example, can pose a significant threat to artists as it allows for the replication of their voice without their consent. ASCAP believes that the existing patchwork of state laws is insufficient in safeguarding creators' rights, and a unified federal right of publicity is necessary to provide comprehensive protection.
Demonstrating Ethical AI Development
Explore examples of AI tools that have been developed ethically and with proper licensing, proving that it is possible to create generative AI technologies without infringing on creators' rights.
ASCAP points out that several large-scale AI tools, such as Boomy, Stable Audio, Generative AI by Getty Images, and Adobe Firefly, have been developed using fully licensed or legally obtained materials. These examples demonstrate that the development of generative AI technologies can be done without compromising creators' rights.
By highlighting these examples, ASCAP aims to encourage AI companies to prioritize licensing and ethical practices in their development processes. This ensures that creators' rights are respected while fostering innovation in the AI industry.
The Need for a Cohesive Federal Right-of-Publicity Law
ASCAP argues that the current patchwork of state laws is insufficient in adequately protecting creators from the unauthorized use of their image, likeness, and voice. They advocate for a cohesive federal right-of-publicity law that provides consistent and comprehensive protection across the country.
Without such a law, voice-cloning technology and other AI tools can cause consumer confusion and significant financial harm to original music creators. ASCAP emphasizes the importance of allowing artists and creators to control their voice and likeness to maintain their artistic integrity and livelihood.