The launch of ChatGPT and other deep learning quickly led to a flurry of lawsuits against model developers. Legal theories vary, but most are rooted in copyright: plaintiffs argue that use of their wo...
Read Full Article »Copyright and AI: the Cases and the Consequences
Discussion Points
- Fair Use Protections: Can developers' use of copyrighted material for training AI models be considered fair use, and if so, what are the implications for future uses?
- Expanding Copyright Laws: Would expanding copyright laws to protect against AI-generated content harm research, artistic expression, or job markets, and how would this impact the development of AI technology?
- Licensing Deals and Settlements: What role do licensing deals and settlements play in mitigating potential litigation, and are they effective in protecting developers' interests?
Summary
The launch of ChatGPT and other deep learning models has sparked a flurry of lawsuits against developers, with most centered on copyright infringement claims. Developers argue that their training processes constitute fair use, while rightsholders claim that removing or altering attribution information constitutes infringement.
Courts have dismissed some claims, citing lack of plausibility or substantial risk of harm. However, existing litigation may be an "elaborate scramble for leverage" in settlement negotiations.
A win foightsholders could undermine fair use protections and artistic freedoms, while a developer victory could set a precedent for the development of AI technology.