In an era where digital piracy poses a significant threat to creativity, Big Tech’s role in this landscape cannot be overlooked. This article explores the implications of AI on the creative industry and the urgent need for accountability.
Big Tech Must Address AI’s Escalating Threat in Digital Piracy
Editor’s Note: Ruth Vitale, former executive at Paramount Classics, Fine Line Features, and New Line Cinema, is the CEO of CreativeFuture, a nonprofit coalition dedicated to advocating for creativity in the digital age.
Introduction
In 2013, I transitioned from a three-decade career as a film executive, where I supported independent films and emerging voices, to lead CreativeFuture. It became evident that digital piracy represents a serious threat to the creative industries, particularly within the indie film community I helped nurture.
The Role of Big Tech
To my surprise, I discovered that major American companies like Google and Facebook were significant contributors to the theft of our creative works. These Big Tech firms have amassed immense power by distributing copyrighted material without permission, generating billions in ad revenue while undermining the very creators who produce this content.
Emerging Threats from Generative AI
As we enter a new era, a turbo-charged threat looms with the rise of generative AI. While responsibly developed AI can be a powerful asset for creativity, the companies behind it have often opted to exploit the works of others without compensation. If this trend continues unchecked, it could devastate our creative community.
The Economic Impact of Creativity
Having witnessed the profound impact of creativity, I understand what is at stake. The film and television industry employs 2.32 million people in the U.S. and generates $229 billion annually. With 92% of the 122,000 businesses in this sector being small enterprises, creativity is not only vital to our culture but also a cornerstone of our economy.
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The Need for Accountability
For years, we have observed Silicon Valley releasing products without adequate safeguards, ignoring the predictably rampant infringement occurring on their platforms. Currently, under the guise of competing with China in AI, these companies are lobbying for an innovation-at-all-costs approach, again without accountability.
Protecting American Creativity
Our government has a crucial opportunity to ensure the U.S. maintains its leadership in artificial intelligence without sacrificing the creative community that contributes significantly to our economy and culture. While competition with China is fierce, we must not compromise our values of intellectual property protection, free speech, and the rule of law.
Conclusion
We can win the AI race, but only if we adhere to American principles. By upholding competition, free markets, and property rights, we can protect our creative workforce and maintain our leadership in AI technology. We must build trustworthy AI systems grounded in innovation, not theft. The stakes are higher than ever, and we can only succeed by running the race the American way.
