800 Artists Launch 'Stealing Isn't Innovation' Campaign Against AI

Around 800 artists, writers, actors, and musicians have joined a new campaign titled 'Stealing Isn't Innovation', led by the Human Artistry Campaign and supported by organizations including RIAA and SAG-AFTRA. Signatories include authors George Saunders and Jodi Picoult, actresses Cate Blanchett and Scarlett Johansson, and musicians such as R.E.M., Billy Corgan, and The Roots. The campaign accuses AI companies of copying creative content from the internet without authorization or payment, and warns of an ecosystem dominated by misinformation, deepfakes, and 'AI slop'. It demands licensing agreements, a healthy enforcement environment, and the right for artists to opt out of having their works used for AI training. The article also notes that licensing agreements are increasingly being accepted as a compromise, with record labels partnering with AI music startups and digital publishers advocating for licensing standards.