Big tech firms told to end ‘unlawful’ use of creators’ content

A coalition of trade associations and unions representing creatives has written to big tech firms telling them to end the "unlawful" use of creators' content.

The Creators’ Rights Alliance, whose membership includes performer's union Equity and the Musicians' Union said writers, performers and artists are among those whose works have been used unlawfully to inform the training of AI models by technology companies, without consent or remuneration.

The letter, sent to tech companies including Microsoft, Google, OPENAI, Apple, and Meta, warns that members of the Creators’ Rights Alliance and the 500,000 creators they represent do not authorise the use of any of their works protected by copyright for such purposes.

Nicola Solomon, Chair of Creators’ Rights Alliance, said creators are innovators and are keen to use AI tools but need trusted systems that do not have the potential to infringe their rights.

"Creators need to be consulted, give consent and be remunerated when their work is used to develop AI models," she said.

"If we work together, we can create high-quality, robust systems that enhance the work of human creators and reward their creativity."