Summary

Requiring permission slips to read webpages or use software assistance to comprehend digital content threatens the creation of beneficial AI models. This could hinder socially valuable research, such as scientific studies and text and data mining methodologies, by making it prohibitively expensive or impossible.

Licensing requirements would limit competition in the AI development industry, leading to higher costs and reduced innovation. Empirical evidence suggests that countries protecting text and data mining research from copyright control have more common research using these methodologies.

The stakes are high, as ML is critical to understanding our world and driving scientific progress.

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.

Summary

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) is upgrading its website license to Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International, emphasizing the importance of open licensing in building a shared culture. By using open licenses, creators can ensure their work is widely distributed while retaining control over certain rights.

This shift highlights the need for flexible and transparent licensing frameworks, particularly in light of draconian copyright laws and penalties. The EFF's decision underscores the value of open licensing in promoting cultural sharing, preservation, and education, while also acknowledging the complexities and challenges associated with navigating copyright regimes globally.

Summary

The current state of copyright law poses a significant threat to free speech and creative expression online. The fear of financial retribution can silence would-be speakers, even if their use is deemed legitimate.

This has led to researchers being intimidated into silence, and small creators being stifleed by overly broad laws. The imbalance of power between authors and mass media owners perpetuates a system that prioritizes the interests of the powerful over those of marginalized voices.

It is essential to reconsider the draconian nature of modern copyright law and strike a balance between protecting intellectual property and preserving free speech.

Summary

The push for new copyright laws that would allow for vast censorship on the US internet is a threat to online freedoms and innovation. The movie studios' efforts to revive SOPA/PIPA-style legislation highlight the need for transparency and public input in lawmaking.

Current copyright laws already have a profound impact on the internet, affecting every online activity. Users must fight back against these attempts to create a censorship regime, emphasizing the importance of balancing creators' rights with users' needs.

The internet's future depends on ensuring that copyright policy promotes creativity, innovation, and free expression, rather than stifling them.

Summary

As we enter Copyright Week, it's essential to acknowledge the unintended consequences of expanding copyright laws. The internet has made us aware of the impact on our lives, from removed content to restricted device use.

We must recognize that corporations pushing for expansion have made copyright a universal issue, not just an industry concern. Last year's defeat of SOPA/PIPA serves as a reminder that expanding copyright only serves the gatekeepers, not users.

This year, EFF and partners highlight five key issues: open policy, censorship, device ownership, preservation, and sharing. It's time to create a balanced approach that promotes creativity and innovation.