top of page

AI Art - A chat with ChatGPT

Here's a copy of my 'chat' with OpenAI's ChatGPT (Jan 9 version) on the subject of AI art ownership.


Cal: What are the different views regarding ownership of AI art?

ChatGPT: The ownership of AI art is a controversial and complex issue that has yet to be fully resolved. There are several different views regarding ownership of AI art, each with its own set of arguments and considerations.

One view is that the original artist whose work was used to train the AI algorithm should be considered the owner of the AI-generated art. The reasoning behind this view is that the AI algorithm is essentially learning and mimicking the style and techniques of the original artist, and therefore the original artist should have the right to control how their work is used.

Another view is that the person who created the AI algorithm should be considered the owner of the AI-generated art. The reasoning behind this view is that the AI algorithm is a complex and sophisticated piece of technology that requires a significant amount of skill and expertise to create. Therefore, the person who created the algorithm should be considered the author of the AI-generated art.

A third view is that the AI-generated art should be considered a new and unique work of art, separate from the original artist and the person who created the AI algorithm. This view argues that the AI-generated art is the result of a unique and autonomous process and should be considered a new work of art, separate from the original artist and the person who created the AI algorithm.

A fourth view is that AI-generated art should be considered public domain, meaning that it does not have a single owner. This view argues that AI-generated art is created by an algorithm and not by a human and therefore, it should not be subject to copyright laws.

In conclusion, the ownership of AI art is a complex and controversial issue that has yet to be fully resolved. There are several different views regarding ownership of AI art, including that the original artist, the person who created the AI algorithm, the AI-generated art is a new work of art, and that it should be considered public domain. Each view has its own set of arguments and considerations, and it will be interesting to see how this issue is resolved in the future.


Let's go into more detail about the fairness of the views the artists have about artwork they have created, their creative signature in their work, the way that anyone can create high quality images in seconds that may have a substantial likeness to their style, especially when explicitly referencing the artists in prompt. What do you think?

The view of the artist regarding the ownership of their artwork is a valid and important consideration when it comes to AI-generated art. Artists put a lot of time, effort, and creativity into their work, and they have a right to control how their work is used and displayed. They have a creative signature in their work, something that identifies them as the creator of a particular piece, and this signature is an important part of their artistic identity.

One of the concerns that artists have about AI-generated art is that anyone can use their work to train an AI algorithm and create high-quality images in seconds that have a substantial likeness to their style. This can be especially problematic when the AI algorithm is explicitly referencing the artist in the prompt, as it can be difficult for the average person to distinguish between the original artist's work and the AI-generated art. This can lead to confusion and devaluation of the artist's original work, as well as financial loss. Additionally, AI-generated art can be sold or displayed as the work of the original artist, which can be misleading and can also harm the artist's reputation.

Another concern that artists have about AI-generated art is that it could be used to create unauthorized copies of their work, which could be sold or displayed without their permission. This can be especially problematic for artists who rely on the sale of their original works to make a living.

To address these concerns, it is essential to establish clear guidelines and regulations around the use of AI in art. This should include obtaining the artist's permission before using their work to train an AI algorithm, and providing them with appropriate compensation for the use of their work. Additionally, the artist should be credited as the creator of the original work, and the AI-generated art should be clearly labeled as such. In conclusion, the view of the artist regarding the ownership of their artwork is a valid and important consideration when it comes to AI-generated art. Artists have a right to control how their work is used and displayed and they should be compensated and credited for their work. Clear guidelines and regulations should be established to ensure that the use of AI in art is done in an ethical and transparent manner, and that the rights of the original artist are protected. How can someone using a public available AI art creation service have any way to identify which artists work might be considered when producing art based on a prompt they submit? When using a public AI art creation service, it can be difficult for someone to identify which artists' work might be considered when producing art based on a prompt they submit. There are a few ways to address this issue.

First, it is important to be transparent about the process of creating AI-generated art. The service provider should clearly explain how the AI algorithm is trained, including the types of art and artists that are used as references. This information should be readily available to the public, and should be prominently displayed on the service's website.

Second, it is important for the service provider to obtain the consent of the artists whose work is used to train the AI algorithm. This can be done by requiring users to submit a list of artists whose work they would like the algorithm to reference, and obtaining consent from those artists before using their work.

Third, the service provider can use a "watermark" system to track the artists whose work is being used by the AI algorithm. This can be done by adding a unique code or identifier to the artist's work, which can then be used to track the use of that work in the AI-generated art.

Fourth, the service provider can also use a "credit" system where they credit the artists whose work was used in the AI-generated art. This can be done by including a list of artists and their works used in the description of the AI-generated art or making the credit visible on the AI-generated art itself.

In conclusion, identifying which artists' work might be considered when producing art based on a prompt submitted to a public available AI art creation service can be a challenge. It is important for the service provider to be transparent about the process of creating AI-generated art, obtain the consent of the artists whose work is used, use a "watermark" or "credit" system, and make the information readily available to the public. This will ensure that the rights of the original artists are respected and protected. These don't seem like workable options. The genie seems to be very much out of the bottle. The algorithm can't unlearn now. It also seems impossible for the artists to be fairly identified, and therefore fairly recognised. You are correct that the genie is out of the bottle when it comes to AI-generated art, and it is unlikely that the algorithm can unlearn what it has already learned. It is also true that it can be difficult, if not impossible, for artists to be fairly identified and recognized when their work is used to train an AI algorithm.

One possible solution is to establish a system of licensing and royalties for the use of AI-generated art. This would ensure that all of the artists whose work was used to train the algorithm are compensated for their contributions, even if it is impossible to identify them individually. Additionally, this would provide a clear framework for determining ownership and control of AI-generated art.

Another solution is to include a disclaimer when displaying or selling the AI-generated art, stating that it was created using the analysis of multiple works of art, and that the creators of those works are not credited individually.

Furthermore, it is important to continue to have open and honest discussions about the ethical implications of AI-generated art, and to work towards creating a framework that respects the rights of both the original artist and the creators of the AI algorithm. This can involve the involvement of legal experts, artists, and technology experts to work together to find a solution to this problem.

It is also important to note that as the technology advances, it is likely that it will become more difficult to distinguish between AI-generated art and art created by human artists. This may lead to a shift in the way we think about art and authorship in the future. In conclusion, the challenge of fair recognition and identification of original artists in AI-generated art is a complex issue, and there is no single solution. It is important to establish a system of licensing and royalties, include a disclaimer, continue open and honest discussions about the ethical implications of AI-generated art, and to work towards creating a framework that respects the rights of both the original artist and the creators of the AI algorithm.

I don't think retroactive licensing and royalties are workable. But let's move on. What do you think about the rights of the rights for the person creating the prompt and effectively curating the output? What rights to you think they could reasonably claim? The rights of the person creating the prompt and effectively curating the output is an important consideration when it comes to AI-generated art. The person creating the prompt is essentially directing the creative process of the AI algorithm, and they have a significant impact on the final product.

One right that the person creating the prompt could reasonably claim is the right to control how the AI-generated art is used. This includes the right to display, sell, or license the art, as well as the right to control how it is marketed and promoted. This is similar to the rights that traditional artists have over their work.

Another right that the person creating the prompt could reasonably claim is the right to be credited as the creator of the AI-generated art. This would ensure that they are recognized for their role in the creative process, and would provide them with the opportunity to gain recognition and build a reputation as an AI artist.

Additionally, the person creating the prompt could also claim the right to financial compensation for their work, similar to how a creative director or an art director is compensated for their work.

It is important to note, however, that the rights of the person creating the prompt and the rights of the original artists whose work was used to train the AI algorithm should be balanced. The rights of the original artists should also be respected and protected, and the person creating the prompt should not be able to claim ownership of the artworks that were created before their involvement.

In conclusion, the rights of the person creating the prompt in AI-generated art should be considered. The person creating the prompt could reasonably claim the right to control how the AI-generated art is used, the right to be credited as the creator of the AI-generated art and the right to financial compensation for their work. However, it is important to balance these rights with the rights of the original artists whose work was used to train the AI algorithm, and to ensure that their rights are respected and protected. Do you think time and effort are useful measures in trying to assign ownership - for example a dataset that is used to output an image in 5 seconds may have taken hundreds of hours to create? However, the direction in terms of the prompt does have the potential to create something substantially different from any other individual work. how do you balance these considerations? Time and effort are important considerations when trying to assign ownership of AI-generated art. The amount of time and effort that goes into creating the dataset used to output an image can be substantial, and it is important to acknowledge and compensate the individuals or teams who have created it.

However, the direction provided by the prompt also plays a significant role in the final product. The prompt can be considered as the curatorial aspect of the artwork. A prompt can be considered as a direction that guides the AI algorithm to create something that is substantially different from any other individual work.

Balancing these considerations can be challenging and there is no single solution. One way to balance the two considerations is to establish a system of licensing and royalties for the use of AI-generated art, which would ensure that all individuals or teams involved in the creation of the dataset and the prompt are compensated for their contributions. Additionally, the person who created the prompt could be credited as the creator of the AI-generated art and be compensated for their work.

Another way is to consider the AI-generated art as a collaboration between the person who created the dataset, the person who created the prompt, and the AI algorithm. In this case, all parties would share the rights and responsibilities of the final artwork.

It is important to note that as the technology advances, it is likely that it will become more difficult to distinguish between AI-generated art and art created by human artists. This may lead to a shift in the way we think about art and authorship in the future, and it will require ongoing discussions and adjustments to the framework that governs the rights and responsibilities of AI-generated art.

In conclusion, balancing time and effort, as well as the direction provided by the prompt, when trying to assign ownership of AI-generated art can be challenging. Establishing a system of licensing and royalties or considering the AI-generated art as a collaboration between multiple parties are possible solutions, but it is important to keep in mind that it is an ongoing process that will require ongoing discussions and adjustments as the technology advances.

It occurs to me that in a relatively short amount of time, the newly created AI art will make an increasingly large percentage of the reference data for future artwork, making the challenge a multilevel problem when trying to trace back to the original artist(s). You are correct that as AI-generated art becomes more prevalent, it will make an increasingly large percentage of the reference data for future artwork, making the challenge of tracing back to the original artist(s) a multilevel problem.

As AI-generated art becomes more prevalent, it will be used to train new AI algorithms, which in turn will create new AI-generated art. This will create a "feedback loop" where AI-generated art is used to create more AI-generated art, making it increasingly difficult to trace back to the original artist(s).

This can create a number of challenges, including:

  • Difficulty in identifying the original artist(s) whose work was used to train the AI algorithm.

  • Difficulty in determining the ownership and control of the AI-generated art.

  • Difficulty in determining the appropriate compensation for the original artist(s).

  • Difficulty in determining the ethical implications of AI-generated art and how to ensure that the rights of the original artist(s) are respected and protected.

To address these challenges, it is important to establish clear guidelines and regulations around the use of AI in art. This should include obtaining the consent of the original artist(s) before using their work to train an AI algorithm, and providing them with appropriate compensation for the use of their work. Additionally, the original artist(s) should be credited as the creator of the original work, and the AI-generated art should be clearly labeled as such.

It is also important to continue to have open and honest discussions about the ethical implications of AI-generated art and how to ensure that the rights of the original artist(s) are respected and protected. This can involve the involvement of legal experts, artists, and technology experts to work together to find a solution to this problem. In conclusion, as AI-generated art becomes more prevalent, it will make an increasingly large percentage of the reference data for future artwork, making the challenge of tracing back to the original artist

please finish. (s) a multilevel problem. It is important to establish clear guidelines and regulations around the use of AI in art, including obtaining the consent of the original artist(s) and providing them with appropriate compensation for the use of their work. Additionally, the original artist(s) should be credited as the creator of the original work, and the AI-generated art should be clearly labeled as such. Ongoing discussions and collaboration between legal experts, artists, and technology experts should be encouraged to find a solution that respects and protects the rights of the original artist(s) while acknowledging the contributions of all parties involved.


I'm confident that the owners of the AI platforms and algorithms have a very clear view on how they can monetise their product. There may be legal hurdles to jump, but with large multinational names like Microsoft invested in their use and commercial success, they will bring an enormous amount of pressure to the conversation. What do you think?

You are correct that the owners of the AI platforms and algorithms have a clear view on how they can monetize their product. With large multinational companies like Microsoft invested in the use and commercial success of AI in art, they have the resources and influence to bring significant pressure to the conversation.

It is likely that they will work to establish a framework that allows them to monetize their product while also respecting the rights of the original artist(s) and the person creating the prompt. They will likely advocate for clear guidelines and regulations around the use of AI in art that are favorable to their business models. They may also invest in legal teams and lobby for changes in copyright laws that would make it easier for them to monetize AI-generated art.

However, it is important to remember that the rights of the original artist(s) and the person creating the prompt must be protected and respected as well. This includes obtaining the consent of the original artist(s) before using their work to train an AI algorithm, and providing them with appropriate compensation for the use of their work. Additionally, the original artist(s) should be credited as the creator of the original work, and the AI-generated art should be clearly labeled as such.

It is important to have open and honest discussions about the ethical implications of AI-generated art and how to ensure that the rights of all parties are respected and protected. This will require collaboration between legal experts, artists, technology experts, and the owners of the AI platforms and algorithms to find a solution that is fair and equitable for all.

In conclusion, the owners of the AI platforms and algorithms will likely bring significant pressure to the conversation on how to monetize AI-generated art, but it is important to remember that the rights of the original artist(s) and the person creating the prompt must be protected and respected as well. Clear guidelines and regulations, and an open and honest discussion with the involvement of legal experts, artists, technology experts, and the owners of the AI platforms and algorithms should be established to find a solution that is fair and equitable for all. I think it's fair to suggest that large corporations do not have the best track record in terms of acting in the best ethical interests of others. They answer to the demands of their shareholders, who demand growth and profit. What chance do you think there is that they will act ethically as this plays out? It is true that large corporations often prioritize growth and profit over ethical considerations. Their primary responsibility is to their shareholders and the demands for growth and profit can be significant.

However, it is important to note that many large corporations are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of acting ethically and are beginning to recognize the long-term benefits of doing so. This includes recognizing the importance of protecting the rights of original artists, and the person creating the prompt, in the creation of AI-generated art.

Moreover, there are legal frameworks in place that can help ensure that large corporations act ethically in this area. For example, copyright laws protect the rights of artists and creators, and there are laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination and other unethical practices.

Additionally, there are also non-profit organizations and advocacy groups that focus on promoting ethical practices in the tech industry, and they can put pressure on large corporations to act ethically.

In conclusion, while it is true that large corporations often prioritize growth and profit, there are legal frameworks and advocacy groups in place that can help ensure that they act ethically in the creation of AI-generated art. It is important for society as a whole to hold these corporations accountable for their actions and to ensure that the rights of original artists and the person creating the prompt are protected. It seems like falling back on copyright law is a circular problem, with the ownership of the underlying training data and its use in the production of new content not explicitly declared. How can artists trust that they will have a fair representation when they are individually poor in terms of legal resources, even though there may be many thousands of them who are impacted? You are correct that relying on copyright law to protect the rights of original artists in the creation of AI-generated art can be a circular problem. The ownership of the underlying training data and its use in the production of new content is not always explicitly defined, and this can make it difficult for artists to trust that they will have a fair representation.

One potential solution is for artists to collectively organize and advocate for their rights. This could involve forming a union or association that represents the interests of artists in the field of AI-generated art. This organization could provide legal resources and support for individual artists, and could also negotiate with large corporations and AI platforms on behalf of its members.

Another solution is for artists to use blockchain technology to register their work, this will be a proof of their ownership and authorship. Blockchain technology can be used to create a digital ledger that records the ownership of creative works and tracks their usage. This can provide a transparent and tamper-proof way for artists to prove their ownership of their work, and it can also be used to track the use of their work in the creation of AI-generated art.

Additionally, lawmakers and regulators should also consider creating more specific laws and regulations that address the unique challenges of AI-generated art, such as the use of training data, the rights of original artists, and the recognition of the person creating the prompt.

In conclusion, relying on copyright law alone may not be sufficient to protect the rights of original artists in the creation of AI-generated art. Artists can organize and advocate for their rights, use blockchain technology to register their works and lawmakers and regulators should consider creating more specific laws and regulations that address the unique challenges of AI-generated art. Additionally, it is important for society as a whole to be aware of the challenges and to support the artists' rights and fair representation.

Let's briefly discuss the 4th option; all AI generated art becomes public domain. This is interesting as the artist loses, the new creator loses (especially if they pay for the service), but the company who owns the algorithm or platform likely still wins if they charge for the service. What do you think about this option?

The option of making all AI-generated art public domain is an interesting one, as it would mean that the artist, the person creating the prompt and the company who owns the algorithm or platform would all lose the ability to control the use or distribution of the artwork.

From the artist's perspective, it would mean that they would not be able to control how their work is used or receive compensation for its use. This could make it difficult for them to earn a living as an artist and make it less likely for them to continue creating art. From the perspective of the person creating the prompt, it would mean that they would not be able to control how the AI-generated art is used or receive recognition for their role in the creative process.

The company who owns the algorithm or platform would also lose the ability to control the use or distribution of the artwork, even if they charge for the service. However, it could also have some benefits. For example, it could lead to a more democratized art world, where AI-generated art is more accessible to a wider audience. It could also lead to a more diverse and inclusive art world, where AI-generated art created by a diverse group of people is more likely to be seen and appreciated.

In conclusion, the option of making all AI-generated art public domain has both advantages and disadvantages. It could lead to a more democratized and diverse art world, but it would also mean that the artist, the person creating the prompt and the company who owns the algorithm or platform would all lose the ability to control the use or distribution of the artwork. It would be important to carefully weigh the pros and cons of this option before deciding on a course of action. Let's wrap up our chat with a quick discussion on the different views globally. Do you have any insight into how this issue is being considered around the world. What is the approach in countries like China, France, Sweden? Are any specific countries leading the discussion?

The issue of AI-generated art and its impact on copyright and authorship is being considered around the world, and different countries have different approaches to it. In China, the government has been actively promoting the development of AI, and this has led to a growing number of AI-generated art projects. However, there is a lack of clear guidelines and regulations around the use of AI in art, and this has led to some concerns about the protection of the rights of original artists.

In France, the government has been actively promoting the development of AI, and it has also been promoting the use of AI in the art world. The French government has established a legal framework for the protection of copyright and authorship in AI-generated art, and it has also set up a commission to study the ethical implications of AI-generated art.

In Sweden, the government has been actively promoting the development of AI and the use of AI in the art world. The Swedish Copyright Act provides protection for original works of art, including AI-generated art, and the government has set up a commission to study the ethical implications of AI-generated art.

Some specific countries that are leading the discussion on AI-generated art include the United States and the United Kingdom. Both countries have established legal frameworks for the protection of copyright and authorship in AI-generated art, and they have also set up commissions to study the ethical implications of AI-generated art.

In conclusion, different countries have different approaches to the issue of AI-generated art and its impact on copyright and authorship. Some countries like China lack clear guidelines and regulations around the use of AI in art, while other countries like France and Sweden have established legal frameworks for the protection of copyright and authorship in AI-generated art, and have set up commissions to study the ethical implications of AI-generated art. Some countries like the United States and the United Kingdom are leading the discussion on this matter.

Thanks. I enjoyed this chat. Talk soon! I'm glad you enjoyed the chat. It was my pleasure to assist you in discussing this topic. Let me know if you have any other questions, I'll be happy to help. Have a great day!

2 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page