Instructions:
Recent conversations about the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) included diametrically opposed opinions on the issue. Some see it as a necessity others claim that it will bring end of humankind as we know it. This assignment is focused on the theme of the growing influence of AI on our lives. To complete the assignment, you will read three articles posted in Canvas (available after class September 13) and write a 500-word reflection addressing the following:
- brief summary of the topics covered and arguments made;
- the strength of the arguments and whether there are alternative explanations;
- your impression of the article and the event or development being reported, in terms of interest (to you) and importance.
AI has consistently aroused feelings of uncertainty among music artists, especially because of copyright concerns, and big streaming services are being asked to stop AI companies in machine learning. In the 1st article, there is conflict between artists and songwriters who want protection and AI developers who want a place to continue their work without government interference. But there appears to be hope of creators being able to opt out of their work being used in AI data sets- through the website HaveIBeenTrained.com created by the company Spawning, there is potential in making a compromise between copyright owners and AI developers. Dryhurst and the Spawning team believe that an “opt-in” tool could be a concrete solution. The Author compares other countries in their views about AI. The author argues that a potential solution for remuneration is things like blanket licenses used in Europe.
In the second article, a federal judge made it clear that US copyright laws don’t cover works created by AI and protection can only be afforded by works created by humans. This is a controversial but not surprising ruling, sparking questions concerning the future of AI and what level of human involvement is needed for protection. The author argues that copyright protection is crucial to the future of AI since unprotected works will be difficult to earn revenue from. In the 3rd article, the chairman of ASCAP’s (American Society of Composers Authors and Publishers) board emphasizes the goal of artists affirming their rights against AI and other technologies that seek to use their creations. They have created 6 principles for AI that they need Congress to uphold: 1. Human creators first, 2. Transparency, 3. Consent, 4. Compensation, 5.Credit, 6.Global Consistency. The author argues that to utilize the opportunities that AI has to offer, we need the help of lawmakers to stand with songwriters in not allowing big-tech companies to just use whatever they want. The author also argues that even though AI requires a large amount of inputs, it is still possible to license and give proper credit. The first author’s arguments I would say are as strong as they all have a good amount of knowledge and offer helpful ideas and hopeful perspectives. I think that the website is a great idea, but slightly oversimplifies the issue though, as opting in seems like something that will never be tangible in the sheer amount of data that AI gathers, how would It be possible? I thought it was an important article and I was interested in the cross-cultural comparisons on views/opinions of AI. The second author explains the Judge’s decision in a logical and worried perspective, but nonetheless is hopeful about the future, recognizing that is it possible for lawmakers to help on this issue in the future. I liked how they included the report from the US copyright office. The third article has strong arguments and solid ideas. I think they are a great step into the future of the lawmaking process for AI and copyright concerns, as their 6 principles are concise and fair. I found this article the most optimistic as it provided real possible “solutions” and it gave important insight.
