AI Art Theft: Artists Fight Back | New Campaign

A growing campaign is raising alarms about the use of creative works by artificial intelligence developers. Participants and supporters argue that authorship isn’t just vital for individual artists, but for the entire American creative sector – encompassing film, music, television, publishing, and digital media – which, they state, supports millions of jobs and drives economic growth and projects worldwide.

The Stakes for the Creative Economy

This ecosystem is now significantly threatened, according to those involved in the campaign, as AI developers are utilizing creators’ works to train AI models in a non-transparent manner, often without permission or compensation. The campaign is urgently calling on tech companies to establish agreements or partnerships with creators.

Did You Know? In 2023, Scarlett Johansson took legal action against developers for using her likeness in an advertisement without her consent.

As stated by campaign organizers, “There is a better way than theft. It is possible to have it all. We can have advanced and rapidly developing artificial intelligence and simultaneously ensure that creators’ rights are respected.”

High-Profile Voices Join the Fight

One prominent figure speaking out against the misuse of AI systems is actress Scarlett Johansson, who has been raising concerns about this issue for several years. In December 2023, she pursued legal action against the developers of the Lisa AI: 90s Yearbook & Avatar application after they used her face and voice in a promotional advertisement without her knowledge. The advertisement utilized images from her film Black Widow, which were then altered.

In February 2024, Johansson issued a statement criticizing a viral video featuring her image alongside other celebrities in protests against antisemitic posts by rapper Kanye West.

The Push for Personal Rights

More recently, actor Matthew McConaughey has joined the fight, seeking a trademark directly on himself. Like his colleagues, McConaughey has experienced instances of his voice and image being altered and used by AI without his approval. He is seeking protection for any video featuring his likeness, including instances where he is simply smiling or speaking.

Expert Insight: The actions of Johansson and McConaughey highlight a growing concern among creatives about the potential for AI to exploit their identities and work without proper authorization or remuneration. This could lead to a fundamental shift in how intellectual property is protected in the digital age.

The trademark application also covers any use of his voice, particularly his delivery of the famous line “Alright, alright, alright” from the 1993 film Dazed and Confused.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the central concern of the campaign?

The campaign is focused on the non-transparent use of creators’ works by AI developers for training purposes, often without permission or payment.

What actions have celebrities taken to address this issue?

Scarlett Johansson has pursued legal action against companies using her likeness without consent, and Matthew McConaughey is seeking a trademark on himself to protect his image and voice.

What is being requested of tech companies?

Campaign organizers are urging tech firms to establish agreements or partnerships with creators to ensure fair use of their content.

As AI technology continues to evolve, how might the legal landscape adapt to protect the rights of artists and creators?