As artificial intelligence continues to permeate various artistic realms, creators from different disciplines are coming together at AIdayofaction to address the potential implications. The prevalence of AI-generated content, from mimicry of famous artists to customized social media avatars, has spurred a collective call for safeguarding the integrity of creative communities.
This week, the digital rights advocacy group Fight for the Future, in collaboration with the music industry labor organization United Musicians and Allied Workers, launched the #AIdayofaction campaign. The initiative urges Congress to enact measures preventing corporations from claiming copyrights on art, including music, produced with AI assistance.
The rationale behind this campaign is to ensure that industry giants, such as major record labels, are compelled to involve human creators in the artistic process. Similar concerns and potential counterstrategies are prevalent across diverse creative domains.
Shared concerns of AIdayofaction participants
Lia Holland, Campaigns and Communications Director at Fight for the Future, notes the existing silos within creative fields regarding these concerns. Musicians may perceive authors as silent on the issue, while others might think musicians and photographers are indifferent.
The #AIdayofaction seeks to bridge these gaps and demonstrate that these are common concerns shared among artists of all mediums.
The power of collective action
Uniting artists of different disciplines amplifies their impact. When they move together, they possess greater influence. The campaign’s aim is to safeguard against potential corporate misuse of AI while acknowledging the potential benefits for individual creatives. AI tools, ideally, should empower individual artists, enabling them to earn more, work efficiently, and compete on a level playing field with corporations.
Musicians, in particular, have a unique relationship with AI. They are well-acquainted with tools like music production software and AI-driven elements such as MIDI drum loops. This familiarity positions them at the forefront of technological integration in the music industry. They recognize the potential of AI to enhance their craft.
AI in art
The conversation surrounding art and AI is intricate. Musicians are wary of industry giants asserting copyright over AI-generated music, fearing exclusion from the creative process. Likewise, major record labels are concerned about AI models appropriating their catalog and encroaching on their market share. Platforms like Spotify grapple with the delicate balance, as they remove AI-generated songs while also introducing AI-powered DJ features.
The convergence of AI and art demands a collective response from creators across various disciplines. Initiatives like #AIdayofaction underscore the importance of protecting the creative process and ensuring that AI serves as a tool to empower individual artists rather than undermine them. As the creative landscape continues to evolve, this collaborative effort stands as a beacon of resilience against potential corporate overreach in the age of AI.
It’s essential to acknowledge that as AI tools become more sophisticated, ethical considerations surrounding transparency, accountability, and bias in AI-generated content will be paramount. Addressing these concerns will be crucial in fostering a healthy relationship between art and technology.
Meanwhile, if you are also concerned about the developments in AI, make sure to check out our article on how your social media posts feed Meta AI, to make sure that you are aware of the ongoing risks.
Also, on a bittersweet note, you can also take a look at how a private U.S. Senate meeting with AI leaders sparked demand for transparency.
Featured image credit: Alexander Sinn / Unsplash
