In Brussels, a Call for Proper AI Act Implementation
On May 20, a significant meeting took place in Brussels, organized by the campaign titled ‘Stay True to the Act, Stay True to Culture’. This gathering was held amid rising concerns regarding the effective implementation of the EU Artificial Intelligence Act. The event brought together key members of the European creative community and EU policymakers to discuss the pressing need for proper enforcement of the Act and to ensure that the creative sector has a meaningful role in shaping how AI technologies are developed and used.
The Importance of the AI Act
The EU Artificial Intelligence Act was endorsed a year prior to this meeting, yet there are fears that it may not receive the necessary implementation. The meeting emphasized that the creative sector must be actively involved in establishing the standards governing AI, particularly regarding its impact on creative content. The overarching message was clear: the enforcement of copyright laws and the development of AI models should not be seen as conflicting objectives.
Speakers included notable figures such as Björn Ulvaeus, co-founder of the iconic music group ABBA and president of the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC). Ulvaeus highlighted the need to prioritize creators’ interests in the face of advancing AI technologies. He cautioned against the notion that the creative sector’s needs should be sacrificed during the rush to embrace AI innovations.
Concerns About AI Transparency
During the discussions, Jesús Badenes, CEO of the Barcelona-based Planeta Group, reinforced the message that full enforcement of copyright laws is crucial for the prosperity of the creative industries. He argued that transparency regarding all works utilized in developing generative AI models is essential. Badenes referenced Adam Smith’s seminal work, The Wealth of Nations, to emphasize that respect for creativity is vital for a thriving cultural landscape.
Anne-Sylvie Bameule, president of Actes-Sud, also spoke out against inadequate AI transparency measures proposed by the European Commission. She expressed concerns that these measures would allow AI companies to exploit copyrighted materials without proper compensation, ultimately harming the European cultural sector and misleading consumers.
The Role of Big Tech
The meeting underscored the critical need for compliance with the AI Act, given that Big Tech companies have historically built their empires by disregarding copyright and privacy norms. Without strict enforcement of the AI Act, both European culture and democracy could face dire consequences. Christian van Thillo, executive chair of the Belgian group DPG Media, articulated this sentiment by warning that non-compliance could lead to significant cultural degradation.
Conclusion
Organizers of the event stressed that transparency, consent, and remuneration must be fundamental principles in the implementation of AI technologies. They asserted that AI and creativity can coexist and flourish together, provided that the rules respect the rights of the creators whose work fuels these innovations. The discussions in Brussels mark a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue about the intersection of AI technology and the creative industries, highlighting the urgent need for robust policies that safeguard artistic integrity and innovation.
