by jonathan champ

The Australian Writers Guild has released its position paper on AI and its impact on the Australian creative industries.

While recognising that in some spheres AI companies are contributing to learning, capabilities and life-enhancement, in the creative sector, there are still significant existential issues to be addressed.

Coming just prior to the end of the WGA writer’s strike the position statement reflects we have a way to go in Australia before we can feel that intellectual property concerns and exploitation of performance writers is adequately addressed by legistation, process and protocols.

AWG Director Claire Pullen said “AI is derivative by nature. Its decision mimicry comes from ‘scraping’ works of Australian authors and creatives, most often without their consent, acknowledgement, or payment to the original artists. We need unambiguous guidelines and strong legislation to protect our arts workers and to ensure Australia has a creative and cultural future. AI has a place in our industries, but it is not in replacing the creative heart of every story.”

Read the full release and access the paper at the link.