Last week in Washington, D.C., a gathering took place where CEOs, labor activists, journalists, and media industry insiders engaged with Senate members to discuss the challenges faced by creative sectors due to the advancement of artificial intelligence technology.
Of particular concern to those in artistic fields were issues surrounding AI model transparency and the implications of evolving systems for intellectual property rights and copyright laws.
There has been speculation among stakeholders about the sources from which conceptual AI programs derive their learning, with conservatives expressing apprehension about text-based AI systems such as Open AI’s ChatGPT and Google Bard being trained on predominantly “left-leaning” news content in the past. For example, if an AI software generates a song entirely, artists may question whether it was trained using works by iconic artists like The Beatles, Michael Jackson, or Cher, raising concerns about the rights of trademark holders and the originality of the generated content.
Renowned YouTuber and music producer Rick Beato, known for collaborations with Shinedown and Needtobreathe, proposed the implementation of licensing laws akin to those governing music usage in films and public spaces.
Beato suggested in a post-hearing video on his YouTube channel, “An audio data license would disclose the musical influences behind the song being listened to.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-NY, who shared his insights with the press post-hearing on Capitol Hill, appeared to endorse this approach, emphasizing the need to safeguard artists’ interests in the era of AI.
Schumer remarked, “We must establish and uphold protections for creators to ensure their recognition in the face of AI advancements. Transparency in AI systems regarding their training data is crucial for users to acknowledge the origins of the content.”
While divergent viewpoints were expressed during the discussions, Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., part of Schumer’s bipartisan panel overseeing the sessions, emphasized the importance of adopting a balanced perspective moving forward.
In response to Schumer’s statements, Young noted, “Differing opinions emerged on safeguarding the intellectual property rights of content creators, from artists to other stakeholders.”
Various approaches were suggested, ranging from regulatory measures to market-driven solutions and adherence to established norms like fair use doctrines.
Beato’s stance, advocating for a prohibition on copyright claims for all AI-generated music, hinted at a broader sentiment echoed by Senators present at the gathering.
Music critic Anthony Fantano, known as “the web’s busiest music nerd,” commended Beato for his testimony and echoed concerns about intellectual property rights and transparency in AI-generated content.
Fantano highlighted the need for accountability in AI systems, emphasizing the obligation to credit the sources of information or skills utilized in generating content.
He underscored the importance of transparent labeling for AI-produced content to prevent misrepresentation, citing instances where media outlets attempted to pass off AI-generated material as human-authored work.
While not physically present at the hearing, Fantano proposed stringent labeling requirements for AI-generated content to ensure clarity and authenticity, drawing attention to instances where AI-created content was misrepresented as human-created.
Overall, the Senate session on November 29 yielded valuable insights on establishing a balanced framework for AI regulations, with suggestions for fostering a responsible approach towards AI governance.
