There must be stricter oversight and regulation of AI models to protect our artists and writers from copyright infringement, according to Social Democrats TD Sinéad Gibney.
The Dublin Rathdown TD, who is the party’s arts and media spokesperson, made her comments after it emerged that hundreds of Irish writers are set to share millions of euro following a €1.31 billion settlement of a copyright infringement case taken against AI company Anthropic.
Gibney said,”this case shows just how vital it is to protect writers and artists from having their work stolen.”
“AI companies have been allowed to build their models and amass incredible amounts of wealth and power through the use of stolen works. As a result, we see an internet awash with AI slop, while the very artists and writers whose work made it possible go largely uncompensated.”
“AI companies cannot be allowed to hide behind commercial sensitivity and trade secrets when it comes to the data they use to train their models. Cases like the one against Anthropic show that some of the largest and most respected AI companies in the world are using copyrighted works without permission,” she said.
Gibney said that the case is a “victory” for writers and may pave the way for further legal actions against technology giants.
She did note that the reality is that most writers don’t have the means to pursue Big Tech through the courts.
“That’s why improved state oversight and stricter regulation of AI models are needed to proactively protect our artists and writers,” she said.