The landscape of generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, exemplified by entities like ChatGPT and Midjourney, faces potential legal threats as companies endeavor to safeguard copyrighted material from being exploited as a free training resource for AI chatbots.
Last month, a lawsuit was filed by The New York Times against OpenAI and its partial owner, Microsoft, alleging the unauthorized use of millions of The New York Times articles to train its large language model.
OpenAI responded to these allegations by stating to the UK Parliament’s House of Lords Communications and Digital Select Committee that developing a leading large language model without employing copyrighted material would be “impossible.”
Blockchain as a Solution to Copyright Challenges
Grayscale CEO Michael Sonnenshein asserts that blockchain technology could present a viable solution to the copyright challenges faced by AI development. He suggests that utilizing blockchain could establish a fair system for tracking ownership of copyrighted material within large language models and image generation platforms, ultimately ensuring fair compensation for the material’s owners.
Sonnenshein emphasizes the need for an “irrefutable, immutable technology” to address issues such as bias, deep fakes, authenticity, and ownership arising from AI advancements. In his view, blockchain, the technology underpinning cryptocurrencies, could serve this purpose effectively.
Legal Challenges in the AI Development Sphere
OpenAI is not the sole entity grappling with legal challenges related to the use of copyrighted material in AI model development. Midjourney, a prominent AI image generation platform, faced a lawsuit from Getty Images last year for alleged copyright infringement.
Sonnenshein envisions blockchain as a potential solution to issues related to image creation and ownership. By integrating blockchain technology, questions surrounding provenance, authenticity, and ownership could be swiftly resolved.
Understanding Blockchain Technology
Blockchain, a digital ledger known for transparent information sharing while safeguarding against manipulation or hacking, has roots in cryptocurrency, notably bitcoin. The technology has expanded beyond cryptocurrency into traditional sectors like finance and healthcare, offering increased transparency.
Experts advocate for the integration of blockchain to enhance transparency across various assets, from real estate deeds and artwork to stocks. Sonnenshein suggests that given blockchain’s capabilities, it is logical for the technology to become an integral part of the future development of generative AI technologies.
The Symbiotic Relationship Between Crypto and AI
Sonnenshein observes a symbiotic relationship between cryptocurrency and AI, noting the significant capital, energy, and time flowing into both sectors. He believes that the collaboration of these two technologies could result in rapid mutual growth.
The Future Role of Blockchain in AI and Copyright
As the relationship between crypto and AI evolves, Sonnenshein anticipates programmable solutions that ensure proper compensation and credit for creators in the realm of music, artwork, and other creative endeavors. Blockchain, with its potential to provide transparent compensation mechanisms, is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of AI development while addressing copyright challenges.