AI Copyright Protection & Fair Compensation Initiative
Arts organizations call for retroactive payments and fair licensing for artists' works used in AI training without permission.
More than 100,000 artists, illustrators, and photographers represented by major arts organizations are calling for fair compensation and copyright protection regarding AI training data. The coalition, including the Design and Artists Copyright Society, Association of Illustrators, Association of Photographers, and PICSEL, demands an end to unauthorized scraping of copyrighted visual works by AI companies. They're seeking retrospective settlements for previous unauthorized use, transparent disclosure of training datasets, and fair licensing agreements ensuring proper credit and compensation. Evidence shows billions of images have been used without permission, with websites like 'Have I Been Trained?' allowing artists to search AI databases for their work. A survey revealed 58% of photographers are affected by generative AI competing directly with their livelihoods. The organizations emphasize that AI companies have failed to engage with creators on these issues and are using artists' work to harm their income. Without industry action, the coalition warns that government intervention may be necessary. They're encouraging artists to contact their MPs to oppose weakening copyright protections for AI firms' benefit and ensure copyright laws remain effective and enforceable. This represents a crucial moment for artists to protect their intellectual property rights and secure fair compensation in the AI era.