The Latest A.I. Art Update: Lawsuits, Image Cloaking, and More

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Legal Challenges in AI Art
   1. Lawsuits against AI Companies
   2. Impact on Artists' Rights
3. Fundraisers for Art Associations
   1. Success of Concept Art Association Fundraiser
   2. Ongoing Fundraising Efforts by MIFU
4. Glaze: A Tool to Protect Artwork from Generative AI
5. Calls for Regulation of AI Companies
   1. European Guild for Artificial Intelligence Regulation
   2. Manifesto and Demands
6. Bans and Restrictions on AI-Generated Images
   1. Organizations Restricting Use of AI Art in Submissions
7. Art Commission Scams and Authentication Concerns
   1. Backlash from Commission Websites
   2. Importance of Authenticity and Originality
8. Conclusion

Legal Challenges in AI Art

In recent months, several AI companies have found themselves entangled in legal battles due to alleged illegal data scraping and copyright infringement. These companies, particularly in the field of generative AI, have faced class-action lawsuits for scraping billions of images from the internet, including from platforms like DeviantArt, without proper licenses or permission from the original artists. Lawsuits have been filed against companies like Stability AI, Mid-Journey, Dart, OpenAI, and Microsoft.

The lawsuits allege that these companies have violated the rights of millions of artists by profiting from selling or licensing AI-generated images without sharing any revenue with the original Creators. Additionally, Getty Images has filed a lawsuit against Stability AI for copying and processing more than 12 million of its images without obtaining the proper licenses. These legal challenges highlight the need for stricter regulations and protections for artists in the age of artificial intelligence.

Fundraisers for Art Associations

In the midst of these legal battles, the art community has come together to support and protect artists' rights. Two notable fundraisers have taken place to provide financial assistance and advocacy. The Concept Art Association's fundraiser was a tremendous success, raising over $270,000 from thousands of donations. This substantial amount of funding will be used to support artists and their rights in the face of AI art developments.

Another ongoing fundraiser is being conducted by MIFU, an organization dedicated to helping artists raise funds. So far, MIFU has managed to raise over 50% of their funding goal through more than 800 donations. These fundraisers are crucial in providing resources for artists to navigate the complex landscape of AI art and legal challenges.

Glaze: A Tool to Protect Artwork from Generative AI

One significant development in the fight against AI-generated art is the introduction of Glaze. Glaze is a free software tool designed to help artists protect their work from being manipulated or reproduced by generative AI. This application applies subtle changes to the artwork that are almost imperceptible to the human eye but can confuse AI software. Glaze empowers artists by giving them more control over their creations and helps mitigate the risks associated with style mimicry by AI Tools.

To protect their work, artists can download Glaze and Apply its protective features. By safeguarding their art, artists can preserve their originality and prevent unauthorized use or replication.

Calls for Regulation of AI Companies

The legal challenges and ethical concerns surrounding AI art have prompted calls for regulatory measures. One prominent group advocating for AI company regulation is the European Guild for Artificial Intelligence Regulation. Comprised of artists, creatives, publishers, and associations from across Europe, this organization is dedicated to ensuring that AI companies using and exploiting data do so with proper consent and respect for intellectual property rights.

Their manifesto outlines key concerns and demands regarding the use of generative AI technologies, which can Create content from textual Prompts or other media. This group calls for transparent, accountable, and ethical regulations that protect the rights and interests of data owners, creators, and consumers. They emphasize the importance of involving researchers, artists, and civil society in the monitoring and amendment process of the AI Act.

Those who share the vision and values of the European Guild for Artificial Intelligence Regulation are invited to support their cause and sign their petition. They aim to create a unified front by having at least one spokesperson representing each EU country, fostering diverse perspectives and collective action.

Bans and Restrictions on AI-Generated Images

As concerns over the authenticity and originality of AI-generated art grow, several organizations and competitions have chosen to ban or restrict the use of such images. Notable organizations include the Society of Illustrators New York, American Illustration, Communication Arts, Spectrum Fantastic Art, 3x3 Creative Quarterly, Society of Illustrators Los Angeles, and World Illustration Awards (IGA).

These organizations have made it clear that they will not award or recognize AI-generated images in their competitions, discouraging artists from submitting such works. By taking a stance against generative AI technologies, these organizations aim to ensure that the art showcased and celebrated on their platforms is truly original and created by human artists.

Art Commission Scams and Authentication Concerns

The proliferation of generative AI tools has unfortunately led to an increase in art commission scams. Unscrupulous individuals take AdVantage of these tools to generate art that they pass off as their own original creations. This phenomenon has prompted commissioned websites like Hyrule and Skip to take action against AI-generated art. These websites have explicitly banned or discouraged the use of AI-generated images to protect both artists and customers.

The use of AI tools raises significant concerns about authenticity and originality. Since these tools rely on existing works and data, the resulting art may lack true originality and could even infringe upon the rights of other artists. To maintain the integrity of the art market and protect artists and customers, commission websites and other stakeholders must take a firm stance against AI-generated art.

Conclusion

The evolving landscape of AI art has brought forth numerous legal challenges, fundraising efforts, and the development of tools to protect artists' work. Artists and supporters have rallied together, raising funds for organizations like the Concept Art Association and MIFU. Glaze, a software application, offers artists a means to safeguard their work from generative AI tools.

Calls for regulation have emerged, with the European Guild for Artificial Intelligence Regulation demanding greater transparency and respect for rights and interests. Organizations in the art community have taken a firm stance against AI-generated artwork, banning or restricting its use in competitions. Additionally, awareness of art commission scams and concerns about authenticity and originality have prompted action from commission websites.

As the AI art landscape continues to evolve, it is essential to uphold artists' rights, protect the integrity of the art market, and navigate the intersection of AI and creativity responsibly.