The UK government’s plans to allow AI companies to use artists’ work without permission have sparked concerns among performing arts leaders, who warn that this could undermine the ability of creative professionals to participate in the development and deployment of AI. As the industry grapples with the implications of AI on human creativity, 35 prominent organizations are urging the government to support the moral and economic rights of the creative community.
Concerns Over UK Government‘s AI Plans in the Performing Arts Industry
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the creative industries has sparked concerns among performing arts leaders, who have issued a statement warning about the government‘s plans to allow AI companies to use artists’ work without permission. The 35 signatories, including the bosses of prominent organizations such as the National Theatre and the Royal Albert Hall, express their concern that the government‘s proposals risk undermining the ability of creative professionals to participate in the development and deployment of AI.
The UK government has outlined ambitious plans to develop and utilize 'artificial intelligence (AI)' across various sectors.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) has established a dedicated AI Council to guide the development of AI strategy.
Key areas of focus include healthcare, education, transportation, and cybersecurity.
The government aims to increase investment in AI research and development, with a target of £1.4 billion by 2025.
Additionally, the UK is establishing a network of AI innovation hubs to drive industry growth.
The Fragile Ecosystem of Freelance Creatives
Performing arts organizations rely on a ‘fragile ecosystem’ of freelancers who depend on copyright to sustain their livelihoods. The statement notes that many freelance creatives have spent decades honing their craft, and their work is essential to the joy of being human. The performing arts leaders urge the government to support the moral and economic rights of the creative community in music, dance, drama, and opera.
Transparency and Accountability
The signatories also request that the government impose transparency duties on AI companies, detailing what copyrighted material was ingested into their models and how they acquired it. This would ensure that the rights of creators are protected and that the use of their work is transparent and accountable.
Transparency in AI companies is crucial for building trust with customers and stakeholders.
It involves being open about data collection, usage, and decision-making processes.
According to a survey, 77% of consumers trust transparent brands more than others.
Companies like Google and Microsoft have implemented transparency guidelines for their AI development.
Transparency also helps identify biases in algorithms, ensuring fair outcomes.
The European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) emphasizes the right to explainable AI decisions.
The Importance of Human Creativity
The performing arts leaders emphasize the importance of human creativity in the development of AI. They argue that the government‘s proposals risk diminishing creative copyright by giving an exemption to AI companies. Instead, they advocate for a system that protects the interests of both AI developers and rights holders, allowing both to thrive.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has long been a subject of interest for its potential to augment human capabilities.
Recent advancements have led to the development of AI systems capable of generating 'art, music, and even writing'.
These creations often rival those produced by humans, sparking debates about the role of creativity in 'AI'.
Studies suggest that AI can enhance human creativity by providing new patterns and ideas, but it cannot replicate the complexity and nuance of human imagination.
As AI continues to evolve, its relationship with human creativity remains a topic of exploration.
Criticism from Industry Leaders
The government‘s proposals have already faced criticism from leading figures in the UK‘s creative industries, including Sir Paul McCartney, Kate Bush, and Richard Osman. The performing arts leaders join this chorus of concern, urging the government to support the human creative endeavour at its heart.
