The Expanding Influence of Generative AI
The latest research from the Society of Authors (SoA) has shed light on the distressing consequences of generative artificial intelligence (AI) on careers in the creative sector. In a survey carried out in January 2024, which engaged close to 800 individuals from the SoA’s 12,500 members and the larger authoring community, a worrying pattern has been uncovered concerning the careers of translators and illustrators.
Findings from the inquiry show that roughly one in five creative professionals are now integrating generative AI tools into their workflow. A breakdown of the statistics reveals that 12% of illustrators, 37% of translators, 20% of fiction authors, and close to 25% of non-fiction authors are among the early adopters. Although some have adopted these tools to aid in conceptualization, there is a noteworthy negative outcome: over one-third of translators and one-quarter of illustrators report job displacement due to AI advancements, witnessing a devaluation of their professional contributions.
A considerable 65% of fiction authors and 57% of non-fiction authors anticipate that these advances could adversely affect their future income. This concern escalates for translators and illustrators, with more than three-quarters predicting a negative financial impact. The creative populace also expresses unease about AI’s capability to replicate individual styles and voices, alongside a broader apprehension about the diminishing appreciation for human-generated creative work.
Advocacy for Regulations and Ethical Practices
The survey has unveiled an overwhelming consensus among participants for the need to implement regulations. An astounding 94% of respondents advocate for the right to give consent, to be acknowledged, and to be reimbursed when their works are used to refine AI systems. Additionally, 95% call for governmental action to ensure these measures of consent, remuneration, and transparency are standardized.
Nicola Solomon, the chair of the Creators’ Rights Alliance and soon-to-be former chief executive of SoA, has stressed the imperative for accountable progression and application of AI. Solomon clarifies, “We’re witnessing relentless impacts on creators – from translators and illustrators to writers and journalists. While reversing the existence of generative AI is not anticipated, we are at a juncture where we can shape its ethical application in harmony with existing copyright laws.”
SoA’s Dedication to Advocacy
In alignment with these findings, the SoA is championing for the ethical development and use of generative AI technology, urging creators and tech developers to come together in establishing fair practices for consent, acknowledgment, and reimbursement. The SoA actively seeks government intervention to ensure fairness and protection for creators’ rights, highlighting the importance of retaining the value of human artistic contribution.
Armed with this knowledge, the SoA persists in its advocacy efforts for creators’ rights and encourages community engagement at the forthcoming Extraordinary General Meeting on May 2, 2024. This event is critical for addressing the challenges posed by AI in the creative field. Authors and creative professionals are also urged to consult the SoA regarding contractual issues and to share personal accounts of how AI has impacted their work.
