Tech Giants Exploit Australian Authors and Creators

Artificial intelligence (AI) programs are increasingly raising concerns in the creative community, especially among Australian authors and artists. Concerns have been expressed that these tech giants are taking the work of creators without their permission or compensation.

The Unfolding Issue

During a recent Senate inquiry on AI, a notable incident occurred when Lucinda Longcroft, an Australian executive from Google, was interrupted by her AI chatbot. While this incident garnered attention, the deeper concern is how big tech companies are leveraging the creative works of individuals without acknowledgment or payment.

For many Australian creators, including writers, composers, and artists, the practices of these tech giants represent a significant threat to their livelihoods. Notable figures such as Van Badham, a well-known playwright, and Benjamin Law, a celebrated screenwriter, have found their works used to advance AI programs without their consent or credit.

The Impact of AI on Creative Works

With AI technology like ChatGPT, anyone can create content that closely resembles the original works of established authors. This raises questions about the future of creativity and compensation. Why invest in original works when AI can rapidly generate similar content? This trend affects not just writers but also composers, visual artists, and photographers.

Van Badham emphasized the need for proper acknowledgment and compensation similar to systems established for libraries using copyrighted material. Just because something is publicly available does not mean it is free to use, particularly if it was produced by a creator who deserves remuneration.

The Complexity of Copyright

Big tech companies, including Google and Amazon, claim that AI operates using publicly available content. However, the term “publicly available” can be misleading. It could encompass pirated content or works produced by public broadcasters that are funded by taxpayers. This distinction becomes critical when we consider how much control creators have over their works.

Currently, there are numerous copyright cases in the US against big tech, indicating a rising tension between creators and corporations regarding ownership of creative works. As these situations unfold, the outcomes will be pivotal for Australia and its creative community.

Seeking Answers

There are ongoing discussions with these tech giants to clarify the processes surrounding the use of creative works for AI training. Questions abound regarding opt-out options for creators, transparency in how their works are used, and how they can receive compensation.

Importantly, Australia boasts a rich cultural history that should not be considered free material for corporate use. The Australian Writers’ Guild and its members are actively seeking to protect their rights and the integrity of their works in the face of evolving technology.

Conclusion

The impact of AI on Australian authors and other creatives is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. As the landscape shifts, collaboration between creators and tech companies will be essential to ensure that artists receive fair treatment.

AI, Authors, Theft