A recent study conducted by Stanford researchers revealed the opinions of 1,500 workers in creative professions regarding the impact of AI on their work. The majority of respondents do not support the automation of their core activities.
Creative Professions and AI
Workers in creative fields such as art, design, and media expressed their reluctance for AI to automate their core tasks. Less than a fifth of tasks were deemed suitable for automation. Creative professionals welcome assistance with repetitive tasks but want to retain authorship and control.
Legal Disputes Surrounding AI
There are multiple legal disputes related to the use of AI in creativity. For example, artists Sarah Andersen, Kelly McKernan, and Karla Ortiz sued Stability AI and Midjourney for training their models on their works without permission. Getty Images also filed a lawsuit after its watermarked photos appeared in AI outputs.
Decentralized AI as an Alternative
Decentralized AI (DeAI) offers a structural alternative that can ensure rights protection and attribution. In DeAI, creators can upload their data and set usage terms, potentially fostering a fairer system. An example is the startup MyShell, which utilizes decentralized methods to source voice recordings.
The shift towards decentralized systems may help protect the rights of creative professionals and ensure fair treatment of their works. Establishing a transparent authorship infrastructure is crucial for the future of the creative economy.