The U.S. Copyright Office is racing to address pressing concerns about artificial intelligence, with Register of Copyrights Shira Perlmutter expressing particular worry about the technology's rapid development during recent Senate testimony.

The Office released its first AI report in July 2024, focusing on digital replicas and leading to the NO FAKES Act, which aims to protect individuals' rights over their digital likenesses. The act would establish a notice-and-takedown system and require platforms to designate agents for handling violation reports.

Two additional sections of the comprehensive AI report are expected by the end of 2024. These will address:

• Copyrightability of AI-generated materials
• Legal implications of training AI on copyrighted works
• Fair use considerations for AI training data

The Office received over 10,000 public comments following its August 2023 inquiry. While most respondents agreed the existing fair use framework is adequate, there's significant disagreement about which specific AI uses qualify as fair use. Key concerns center around transparency in AI training data and the protection of copyrighted materials.

Perlmutter acknowledged the urgency of completing these reports while emphasizing the need for accuracy and thoughtfulness in their recommendations, particularly given the rapidly evolving nature of AI technology and its implications for creative industries.

The Copyright Office aims to balance innovation with protecting creators' rights, though Perlmutter noted broader concerns about AI's impact on humanity beyond just copyright issues.

Related Articles

Previous Articles