In a bold move to protect the rights of artists and cultural workers, a petition with over 25,000 signatures has been making waves in the creative industry. The petition, which can be found at aitrainingstatement.org, delivers a powerful message: the unauthorized use of creative works for training generative AI poses a significant threat to the livelihoods of those behind the works and must not be allowed.
The petition was spearheaded by music composer and former Stability AI executive Ed Newton-Rex, who made headlines last year when he parted ways with the company due to disagreements over the use of copyrighted material to train AI under the guise of fair use. Artists from various disciplines, including painters like Amoako Boafo and Cecilia Vicuña, photographers like Lynn Goldsmith, and musicians like Björn Ulvaeus of ABBA and Thom Yorke of Radiohead, have all lent their support to the cause.
Newton-Rex emphasized the urgency of the petition, stating that it is crucial for creators to safeguard their work in the current landscape where AI companies are leveraging their creations without compensation or permission. The legal battle between a group of artists and companies like Stability AI, Midjourney, and Deviant AI has shed light on the issue, with some artists taking a stand to advocate for copyright protections in AI-generated art.
One such artist is Tim Flach, renowned for his captivating wildlife photography, including the series “Dog Gods.” Flach has personally experienced the repercussions of unauthorized use of his work in AI models and is actively involved in a class-action complaint against several AI companies. He stressed the economic impact of this exploitation on artists and called for policymakers and tech companies to address these concerns by seeking permission and providing compensation.
The petition has garnered support not only from creatives but also from academics like Oxford Associate Professor Gregory Kantor. Kantor highlighted the detrimental effects of AI models developed without proper compensation, noting that it creates barriers for future scholars and artists. As the UK invests heavily in AI projects, Kantor questioned the decision to subsidize the tech industry at the expense of fields that hold international significance for the country.
While the petition is not directed at any specific entity, Newton-Rex emphasized that it reflects the sentiments of creatives on the issue. The resounding message from the petition is clear: the exploitation of creative works for AI training must be addressed to protect the rights and livelihoods of artists and cultural workers.
