AI protection for artists

A new service has been launched to help local artists and writers protect their creative rights from generative AI.

Not-for-profit organisation Copyright Licensing New Zealand’s new platform, MyCreativeRights, was designed to help creatives better manage their intellectual property.

CLNZ chief executive Sam Irvine, pictured, said the variety of lawsuits that had cropped up recently between creators and generative AI companies “show that, in all cases, permission hasn’t been asked or granted”.

“The issue is not only that writers' and artists’ intellectual property has been exploited unlawfully, but that artistic integrity and creators’ rights to make a living from their creative work are on the line.”

He said the platform included access to free legal advice for a limited time, which was useful given how little those in this sector generally made from their work.

Only 12% of New Zealand creatives surveyed by CLNZ were confident they knew their rights when it came to copyright.

“So MyCreativeRights is a solution that educates artists and writers and also handles the administrative side of managing their copyright, freeing up more of their time to create.”

Irvine said failing to keep on top of crucial documentation and understand copyright implications could have serious financial consequences.

“New Zealand is very behind the rest of the world in terms of protecting works and ensuring creatives can monetise their output. There is often a power imbalance in negotiations which can see creators not even realise the valuable rights they are giving up.”

The new service aimed to address those issues, coming at a crucial time, with a lot of technological and legislative change happening, including the threat of generative AI.