Picture this: It is the early 1990s, and I am a young lawyer working for the Federal Government. We are on the cusp of a digital revolution, grappling with the “Information Superhighway” – what we now know as the Internet. Our burning question was how copyright law would adapt to this new digital frontier.
Fast forward three decades, and here we are again. Only now, instead of the Information Superhighway, we are facing an AI revolution that is reshaping our creative landscape at an unprecedented pace. The questions we are asking today echo those from 30 years ago, but the stakes are even higher.
I have spent over three decades ensuring rightsholders get paid when their works are used, primarily at Access Copyright, where I served as President and CEO for the last ten years. Recently, I have taken on a new challenge working with CCC as a consultant and advisor. Why? Because they are taking on one of the biggest issues in our field: Responsible AI for the use of copyrighted materials in the training of LLMs and AI systems.
My passion for this subject stems from first-hand experience. I have witnessed rightsholders struggling while their work is used without permission or compensation. I have also seen the incredible potential of AI to revolutionize industries and spark new forms of creativity. Finding a way to balance these interests is not just an academic exercise – it is about shaping the future of human creativity and innovation.
The intersection of AI and copyright presents a complex landscape where digital innovation and intellectual property law converge in unprecedented ways. It is a challenging domain, but one that is undeniably fascinating.
CCC believes that innovation requires both a pro-AI and pro-copyright approach. It is not an either-or situation. I share CCC’s view on the power of AI to drive innovation and creativity but also recognize the irreplaceable value of human creativity and cultural diversity.
Rightsholders deserve respect and compensation for their work, ensuring that the unique voices and cultural expressions that enrich our world continue to thrive alongside technological advancements. It is a delicate balance, but it is crucial for the future of both technology and creative industries.
I am contributing to important conversations alongside CCC to help make sense of it all, exploring market developments and a range of critical issues at the intersection of AI, copyright, and licensing.
Whether you’re a rightsholder wondering how to navigate this new landscape, a business leader looking to ethically implement AI in your operations, a tech enthusiast trying to understand the implications of the latest AI breakthroughs, or just someone curious about how AI might change the future of creativity, there’s something here for you.
I invite you to join a growing coalition of diverse stakeholders on this journey. Together, we will gain insights and contribute to developing a framework where AI and copyright can coexist harmoniously.