Introduction
In the rapidly evolving landscape of generative intelligence, human creators face unprecedented challenges. The rise of synthetic data production, widespread access to creative tools and changes in the way content is consumed have challenged traditional models of creativity and reward.
When creators no longer see their efforts rewarded or protected, the richness of our creative and intellectual ecosystem could wither. A world of derivative, recycled content is a bleak vision that threatens freedom of opinion, innovation, diversity and the intrinsic value of originality.
We are following the proposal for a set of principles that recognise the role and importance of human creators and build the future for a responsible approach in support of a transparent AI & Creators framework, including respect for the rule of law, transparency and accountability.
Principles of creative conduct
1. AI model providers must respect fundamental rights, including copyright and related rights, in particular by diligently seeking and respecting the express wishes of rightsholders.
2. Effective and full transparency towards rightsholders on the copyrighted works and content used to train AI models.
3. Encouraging operators of AI models to seek licenses, within the framework of authorizations duly negotiated with rightsholders.
4. Appropriate and fair remuneration for the use of works and content protected by intellectual property rights.
5. Effective sanctions for non-compliance with these principles.
We do not yet have all the tools to meet the challenges before us, but we are committed to solving them, as we are challenged to act on the Creator’s role and freedom in its many meanings for society.
The Problem: Erosion of Creative Value
1. Challenges of AI and Copyright
- Unregulated Training Data: AI models are often trained on vast repositories of creative works scraped from the internet, frequently without consent or compensation to the creators.
- Blurred Lines: The distinction between original work and AI-generated output is increasingly difficult to discern, leading to complex questions about ownership and value.
2. Decreasing Incentives for Originality
- Recycled Content: As AI systems replicate and iterate on existing work, the creative pool risks becoming stagnant, dominated by derivations rather than innovations.
- Monetization Challenges: With traditional revenue streams like licensing and copyright royalties under threat, creators struggle to sustain their livelihoods.
3. The Rise of Corporate Control
Large corporations increasingly dictate the terms of engagement, leaving individual creators with diminishing autonomy and leverage. The balance of power has shifted, favoring entities with the resources to exploit creative works at scale.
At the European level, the development of a European LLM is a crucial factor for European values and ethical standards.
A New Vision: The Creator’s Foundation
We are committed to researching, testing and implementing ways to redefine how creators are valued and supported. By fostering a fair and equitable ecosystem, we aim to empower creators to thrive in the age of AI and beyond.
The Goal
To protect, empower, and inspire creators in a rapidly evolving digital landscape, ensuring that originality and innovation remain the cornerstone of our cultural ecosystem.
Key Objectives
1. Advocacy and Protection
- Ethical AI Training Standards: Advocate for regulations requiring transparency in AI training data and fair compensation for creators whose works are used.
- Modernized Copyright Laws: Push for updated legal frameworks that reflect the realities of AI and digital content creation.
2. Empowerment Through Resources
- Educational Initiatives: Equip creators with the knowledge and tools to protect their work and navigate emerging technologies.
- Technological Support: Develop and provide tools for monitoring unauthorized use, watermarking content, and leveraging AI ethically.
3. Building a Collaborative Community
- Networking Opportunities: Create spaces—both digital and physical—for creators to connect, collaborate, and share resources.
- Mentorship Programs: Pair emerging creators with industry veterans to foster growth and innovation.
4. Sustainable Funding Models
- Creators Crowd: Exclusive memberships providing access to resources, legal support, and promotional opportunities.
- Grants and Sponsorships: Establish funding pools to support original projects and experimental works.
Conclusion
The digital revolution presents both challenges and opportunities for creators. By coming together to redefine creativity in the age of AI, we can build a future where originality thrives, creators are valued, and innovation continues to shape our world.
This foundation is a call to action—for creators, advocates, and stakeholders—to unite in preserving the richness and diversity of our creative ecosystem. Together, we can ensure that the future of creativity is fair, ethical, and inspiring.