Brain Food

Copyright and Creative AI

The explosive development of artificial intelligence promises creative and commercial benefits on a scale rarely seen before. Yet, as AI continues to evolve, it places new strains on long-standing copyright principles that were designed to protect human originality. Under current U.S. law, copyright protection requires human authorship, which makes purely AI-generated works ineligible for copyright. Even carefully crafted prompts—often called "prompt engineering"—may not themselves establish authorship if the AI system truly drives the creative content.

According to the U.S. Copyright Office (USCO), meaningful human input that shapes the final output is crucial to securing copyright.

Country artist Randy Travis, who, after suffering a stroke, used a special-purpose AI tool to preserve his creative intent, was covered under the law for his highly personal use, being both the voice and the original artist).

Practical Steps for Creators

Use AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement: The USCO differentiates between AI that fully replaces a creative role and AI that assists. If you aim to claim copyright, ensure you retain control over key expressive decisions.

Stay Informed and Involved: The law around AI will play catch up to the tech as usual. Start conversations or join discussions with your creative network. Be a leader in this space.

Possible International Protections: Some countries recognize limited rights for computer-generated works, though definitions of "human author" can be blurred. If your creative work is distributed globally and would benefit from international laws, look into what applies to you.

Clarity: Describe what AI-driven uses of your work are allowable in the public domain. Also, document your use of AI in your creative works.

Stay tuned to TheTechMargin for more on this process and how I use it in my own works. Listen to the podcast version of this story on Spotify.​
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Listen to the podcast version of this story on Spotify.

Creative AI and CopyRight De... Feb 14 · TheTechMargin — Role Mod... 21:27   ​

Continue reading at TheTechMargin online for more on this process and how I use it in my own works.

AI Safety Bites

From "Don't Be Evil" To AI Weapons

Google has revised its AI principles, removing restrictions on developing AI for weapons and surveillance, marking a significant shift from its previous stance. This change aligns with a broader trend in the tech industry where firms like Microsoft and Amazon collaborate with defense sectors. Google emphasizes that its AI development will adhere to ethical standards with adequate safeguards. Still, the decision has sparked debate over the potential militarization of AI and its implications for global security and human rights.

Key Points :

• Policy Shift: Google's ban on AI for weapons has ended, diverging from its 2018 principles (the don't be evil era).
• Industry Trend: This move is part of a more significant trend of tech companies engaging with military applications.
• Ethical Concerns: The decision raises ethical questions about the use of AI in military settings.
• Potential Impact: Employees and the general public will potentially see the flip-flopping of company values as a betrayal of trust and integrity
• Global Implications: The use of AI in military contexts highlights the critical need for global regulations and stringent safety measures to prevent misuse and ensure ethical deployment aligned with international standards.

AI Creative Applications

Christie's AI Art Auction

The debate around Christie's auction of AI-generated artworks centers on several pressing issues. Intellectual property concerns arise as AI models potentially use copyrighted materials without permission, posing legal and ethical questions. Economically, artists worry that AI art could undermine traditional art forms and their livelihoods. Additionally, there's debate over the authenticity and creativity of art produced by algorithms, challenging conventional notions of authorship. Despite these concerns, Christie's argues that AI represents a valuable innovation in art, enhancing rather than replacing human creativity, highlighting divisions about AI's role in the future of art.

Key Points :

• Intellectual Property Issues: There are significant concerns about AI models training on copyrighted materials without authorization, which could lead to legal and ethical dilemmas.
• Economic Impact on Artists: There is a fear among traditional artists that AI-generated art could devalue their work and threaten their financial stability.
• Authenticity and Creativity: The debate questions whether AI-generated art can truly embody creativity and authenticity, challenging traditional concepts of artistic authorship.
• Innovation vs. Tradition: While some defend the auction as a showcase of innovative technology enhancing artistic expression, others view it as a threat to traditional art forms, illustrating a division within the art community about the role of AI in art.
• The Future: AI is here to stay, and we believe that traditional artists should inform themselves about what AI is and is not and use it in any way that assists and enhances their creative practice.