An Open Letter to AI Developers
The Creators’ Rights Alliance call for AI developers to respect copyright laws and the rights of creators whose works have been used without permission.
Today, the Creators’ Rights Alliance (CRA) has released an open letter to AI developers on behalf of our over 500,000 creator members. This letter urges AI developers to respect copyright laws and the rights of creators whose works have been used without permission. The Association of Illustrators (AOI), as an active CRA board member, has signed this letter to advocate for illustrators’ best interests, joining numerous other creator groups.
The CRA is dedicated to promoting and protecting creators’ interests through robust policy advocacy and campaigning. Championing creators across the UK’s creative industries—including illustrators, authors, photographers, translators, performers, musicians, and journalists—we are proud to be part of such an important voice in the creative sector.
The letter addresses the unauthorised use of copyrighted works in the training and development of AI models, including large language and generative AI models. We highlight that creators have not granted permission for their works to be used in this way, which constitutes copyright infringement under UK law.
While acknowledging the potential benefits of AI, the CRA insists that these technologies must be developed and used ethically, legally, and sustainably. We call for transparency from AI developers about the works used in their models and proper authorisation from the relevant creators and rights holders. Additionally, we call for appropriate remuneration for all uses, past and future, and proper attribution to all creators involved.
The letter references the House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee Inquiry into Large Language Models and the House of Commons Innovation, Science and Technology Committee’s Legacy Report. Both reports support the CRA’s stance on the need for permission and compensation for the use of copyrighted works, reinforcing the call for a transparent and fair licensing system.
In conclusion, the CRA and its members, including the AOI, stand firm against the unauthorised use of creators’ works by AI developers. We call for good faith licensing negotiations, the removal of unauthorised copyrighted works from AI systems, and respect for creators’ rights moving forward.
The AOI is committed to protecting the rights and interests of illustrators and the wider creative community. We will continue to advocate for fair and ethical practices in the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.
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