The Politics of AI
We are in the midst of a substantial technological revolution embodied by artificial intelligence. While the technology is frequently overhyped, it is undeniable that it will continue to exert a significant influence on everyday life. These technological developments have been accompanied by lawsuits, policy papers, and legislative action as societies worldwide endeavor to comprehend these ongoing transformations. However, these developments do not occur in isolation, and the near future may be substantially shaped by the political shifts currently unfolding.
The United States
The recent election of Donald Trump is likely to have a huge effect on AI as a whole. The political climate makes it difficult to think about AI policy when the future of many institutions is at peril. However, it is believed that Trump will have a significant influence on AI.
Elon Musk’s full endorsement of Trump is symptomatic of a marked shift rightward by the US technocratic elites. Prominent tech figures such as Peter Thiel have traditionally aligned with the right, and Trump has garnered growing support from venture capitalists and crypto enthusiasts. This is evidenced by the strong support for JD Vance from tech interests.
Moreover, other technology billionaires, particularly Zuckerberg and Bezos, who previously supported Democrats, have either jumped on the MAGA train or become openly neutral, likely anticipating a Trump win.
This tech polarization has been accompanied by a remarkable loss of power and influence by legacy media. The influence of traditional media such as TV, cable news, and printed newspapers has significantly declined, particularly highlighted by how little effect celebrity endorsements had in the recent elections.
The result of this shift will potentially have a profound effect on how AI is handled in the US. The tech industry aims to push AI at all costs, while legacy media and the creative industries prefer to halt development or secure licensing deals for future payment. A government that is pro-tech is likely to be strongly pro-AI, especially with Musk’s continued influence.
This political environment may translate into a complete lack of regulation at the executive level, with regulators like the FTC potentially dropping any actions against AI companies.
Even if there are diverging decisions at the lower court levels regarding ongoing cases, Republican control of the Supreme Court may favor the tech industry in the long run. For example, a recent victory by defendants OpenAI in a case against independent publishers could signal a significant shift in some legal proceedings.
The UK
The situation in the UK is evolving, particularly after the election of Labour back in July, with Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister. The previous government had skirted around legislation and regulation of AI, but new declarations suggest some sort of regulation will be forthcoming, although specific legislation has yet to be introduced.
With regards to copyright, recent comments from the new Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport suggest that changes to copyright are needed to boost AI adoption. This could mean adopting an opt-out regime similar to that in the EU, which has drawn ire from the creative industries.
The creative industries remain influential in the UK, often regarded as vital to the country’s soft power. However, there are indications that a campaign led by celebrities could hinder any legislative moves that expand existing exceptions to copyright laws.
The UK government, eager to attract tech investment, might be tempted to disregard protests from creative classes, especially with a pro-AI stance from the US influencing UK policy.
Concluding Thoughts
While the future of AI regulation remains uncertain, the potential for a political clash centered around copyright is imminent. This evolving landscape promises to create a rich field for further exploration and analysis.
In conclusion, the Copyright Wars continue to unfold, with the tech industry becoming increasingly minimalist while creatives adopt a maximalist stance. The lines of copyright are being redrawn, and it remains to be seen which sides will emerge victorious in the coming years.
As the AI War begins, the implications for society, industry, and creativity are bound to be profound.
