Scarlett Johansson, Cate Blanchett, R.E.M., and Jodi Picoult are among the nearly 800 Hollywood stars, musicians, and authors supporting a campaign launched on Thursday that accuses artificial intelligence (AI) companies of “theft” of their creative works. The initiative, titled “Stealing Isn’t Innovation,” aims to raise awareness about the implications of AI on the creative industries and the unauthorized use of artists’ materials.
The campaign features a statement asserting that tech firms are utilizing American creators’ work to “build AI platforms without authorization or regard for copyright law.” The statement emphasizes the collective stance of artists, writers, and creators: “Stealing our work is not innovation. It’s not progress. It’s theft – plain and simple.”
In light of ongoing tensions regarding copyright, the initiative encourages AI companies to engage in licensing deals and partnerships with the creative sector. It acknowledges those companies that have already taken steps in this direction. For instance, OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, has entered into agreements with various content owners, including Disney and The Guardian, while Warner Music Group has partnered with AI music generator Suno.
Despite these efforts, the issue of copyright remains a significant point of contention within the AI landscape. Models that power chatbots like ChatGPT and image generators depend heavily on vast datasets sourced from the open web, frequently including copyrighted material. Creative professionals argue that tech firms should obtain consent from creators before using such content and that artists should be compensated for their contributions.
AI companies, including OpenAI, maintain that their use of online materials falls under the doctrine of “fair use,” which permits the use of copyright-protected work without the owner’s permission under specific conditions. As of last year, dozens of lawsuits have been filed in the United States concerning the intersection of AI and copyright.
In a notable incident in 2024, Johansson found herself embroiled in the AI debate when OpenAI’s voice assistant utilized her vocal likeness without consent. The actor expressed her shock, anger, and disbelief, prompting OpenAI to subsequently remove her voice from ChatGPT.
The statement also includes support from other prominent figures such as actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt, creator of Breaking Bad Vince Gilligan, and singer Cyndi Lauper. Gilligan has previously referred to AI as the “world’s most expensive and energy-intensive plagiarism machine,” highlighting the growing concern over the creative integrity in the digital age.
The “Stealing Isn’t Innovation” campaign is organized by the Human Artistry Campaign, which includes backing from the Writers Guild of America, the Recording Industry Association of America, and the actors’ trade union SAG-AFTRA. This union went on strike in 2023, largely over the implications of AI in the industry.
Across the Atlantic, the UK government faces criticism for its proposal allowing AI firms to utilize copyright-protected works without seeking artists’ permission, unless creators actively choose to “opt out.” This month, UK Technology Secretary Liz Kendall indicated that the government is pursuing a “reset” on these plans through an official review expected to be published in March.
As the debate over AI’s role in creative industries continues to intensify, the “Stealing Isn’t Innovation” initiative underscores a crucial call for respect and collaboration between technology companies and creative professionals. The implications of this dialogue will likely shape the future landscape of both fields, highlighting the need for ethical practices in an era increasingly defined by AI.
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