The news article discusses the use of pirated books, including “The Futurist” by James Cameron, to train generative-AI systems at companies like Meta and Bloomberg. The author, who wrote “The Futurist” in 2009, initially feels flattered to be among more successful writers whose works are used for AI training. However, they soon become concerned about the implications for their career as a journalist, questioning whether a computer trained on their book could eventually replace them. The article also mentions that the Authors Guild has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, claiming that the use of their copyrighted material by AI algorithms constitutes “systemic theft on a massive scale.”
These lawsuits against OpenAI and other companies raise questions about fair use and the boundaries of AI-generated content. The article mentions that the courts will need to interpret fair use, weighing the argument that AI is creating original writing against the usage of copyrighted material without permission. In the context of Hollywood, the writers’ and actors’ strikes have also centered around AI, with the Writers Guild securing some protections but leaving the issue of studios training AI models with writers’ work unresolved. The legal landscape remains uncertain, with both sides striving to protect their rights.
Overall, the article highlights the concerns of authors and journalists regarding the growing influence of AI in content creation and the potential impact on their livelihoods. The use of pirated books for training AI systems raises ethical questions about intellectual property and fair compensation. The lawsuits against OpenAI and the ongoing negotiation between the Writers Guild and studios reflect the need to establish clear guidelines and regulations for AI-generated content. The future implications for writing as a career and the role of human creativity in a world increasingly driven by AI remain uncertain.