British celebrities have recently joined a protest against the unlicensed use of creative works by generative artificial intelligence (AI). The protest was signed by renowned figures such as Scottish author Sir Ian Rankin, The Cure’s Robert Smith, and Radiohead singer Thom Yorke, along with other notable personalities like Abba star Bjorn Ulvaeus, actress Julianne Moore, and novelist Sir Kazuo Ishiguro.
The open letter, spearheaded by British composer Ed Newton-Rex, highlighted the significant threat posed to artists’ livelihoods by the unauthorized use of their works to train generative AI. The letter has garnered support from various organisations including Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and Sony Music Group. Additionally, Hollywood stars such as Kevin Bacon and Julianne Moore have also lent their voices to the cause.
Generative AI has been gaining traction as a groundbreaking innovation in the tech industry, with machines capable of creating entirely new content based on vast datasets. The protest comes amidst growing excitement surrounding generative AI, fuelled by recent developments like the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022. As the tech sector gears up for further advancements, concerns about protecting artists’ rights and ensuring fair compensation have come to the forefront.
In a show of solidarity, the statement urges against permitting the unauthorised use of creative works for training generative AI, emphasising the need to uphold the rights and livelihoods of the creators behind these works. With the backing of prominent figures from the entertainment industry, the protest serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of respecting artists’ contributions and ensuring their work is valued and protected in the digital age.