The music industry is watching these lawsuits carefully as many existing music AI companies have already machine trained on copywritten music that belongs to the major labels.
What's Going On?
A group of 17 renowned authors, including John Grisham, Jodi Picoult, and George R.R. Martin, are taking legal action against OpenAI, a major AI company. They claim that AI programs, specifically OpenAI's ChatGPT, are using their copyrighted works without permission, and they're not happy about it.
Why Are They Suing?
The authors are upset about what they call "systematic theft on a mass scale." They believe that ChatGPT, which they describe as a "massive commercial enterprise," is relying on their copyrighted works without proper authorization. They're concerned that this could harm their livelihoods and the rich literary culture in the United States.
Who Organized the Lawsuit?
The lawsuit was organized by the Authors Guild, a group that supports and advocates for writers' rights. The guild is determined to protect authors' abilities to control how their works are used by AI programs.
What's at Stake?
All creatives are worried that AI will take their work AND likeness and just use it to proliferate new works while moving the human creators out of the way.
The authors argue that they've put in years, even lifetimes, perfecting their writing craft. They want to ensure they have control over how their works are used by AI technology. They fear that if this "theft" continues, it could negatively impact not only authors but also the broader creative industries in the U.S.
What Did the AI Program Do?
The lawsuit provides specific examples of what the AI program, ChatGPT, allegedly did. For instance, it generated an unauthorized and detailed outline for a prequel to George R.R. Martin's "A Game of Thrones." It used characters from Martin's existing books without his permission.
What Does OpenAI Say?
OpenAI, the AI company being sued, says it respects the rights of writers and authors. They believe writers should benefit from AI technology. They always try to position the tech as a boon and benefit to the people they are stealing from. OpenAI is in discussions with the Authors Guild and other creators to address their concerns and find ways to collaborate.
What's Next?
This lawsuit is part of a larger debate about the boundaries of copyright and AI technology. OpenAI has asked a federal judge to dismiss similar lawsuits in the past, arguing that copyright law should leave room for innovations like AI models. In a nutshell, this legal battle is about protecting authors' rights and ensuring they have a say in how AI uses their works. It's a significant issue for all creators, including musicians, as it could impact how AI interacts with your creative content. We'll keep you posted on how this unfolds!