Microsoft, Google, OpenAI, Apple and Meta are facing heat from the U.K.’s creative community over the use of copyrighted material in artificial intelligence (AI) development.
The Creators’ Rights Alliance (CRA) has fired off a stern warning to these tech behemoths and others in the software development sector, demanding an end to the unauthorized use of creative works for AI training and operation.
In a letter sent Wednesday, the CRA, representing over 500,000 U.K. creators, asserted that its members do not permit the use of their copyrighted material for AI purposes without specific licensing agreements. This move comes as creators across various fields report increasing concerns about AI’s impact on their livelihoods.
A Writers Guild of Great Britain survey found that 65% of respondents believe AI will reduce their income, while 61% worry about job displacement in their craft areas. Recent incidents have highlighted the urgency of the issue. The CRA provided the example of an illustrator discovering their work on a new site, incorrectly attributed to another artist; and voice cloning without consent affecting high-profile figures like Stephen Fry and Scarlett Johansson.
The alliance outlined seven key demands for AI developers, including full transparency about works used, obtaining prior authorization from creators and rightsholders, offering appropriate remuneration, and providing attribution in all cases.
The CRA is calling on the U.K. government to support initiatives like The Smart Fund and implement recommendations from the Creator Remuneration Report. They’re also urging AI companies to engage in good faith licensing negotiations and remove unauthorized works from their systems.
CRA chair Nicola Solomon said: “Creators are innovators. They are keen to use AI tools but need trusted systems that do not have the potential to infringe the rights of human creations, or their styles and personalities. Creators need to be consulted, give consent and be remunerated when their work is used to develop AI models. If we work together, we can create high quality robust systems that enhance the work of human creators and reward their creativity.”
The letter was signed by a wide range of organizations representing creators across various fields. Signatories include the Association of Author’s Agents, Association of British Science Writers, Association of Illustrators, Association of Photographers, Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society, British Association of Picture Libraries and Agencies, British Equity Collection Society, Design and Artists Copyright Society, Directors U.K. and Equity British Trade Union.
Additional supporters comprise the Featured Artists Coalition, Independent Society of Musicians, The Ivors Academy, Music Managers Forum, Musicians’ Union, National Union of Journalists, Picture Industry Collecting Society for Effective Licensing, The Royal Photographic Society, The Society of Authors, Society of Artists Agents and the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain.
As the AI landscape evolves, the CRA aims to protect creators’ rights by working with government departments, including the Intellectual Property Office and the Department for Science Innovation and Technology.