AI gives rise to several important copyright issues that the reference group will carefully examine
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus has announced the government's plan to establish a dedicated copyright and AI reference group to address complex issues emerging from using AI.
AI gives rise to several important copyright issues. The initiative aims to anticipate and navigate potential challenges arising from the evolving landscape of AI technologies. The reference group will be a standing mechanism for ongoing engagement with stakeholders across various sectors, including the creative, media and technology industries, to consider issues carefully.
Various copyright issues associated with AI, such as the use of materials for training AI models, transparency concerns related to inputs and outputs, the generation of imitative works by AI, and determining copyright protection for AI-generated works, will be carefully examined by the reference group.
By involving a broad spectrum of stakeholders, the government seeks to harness the opportunities presented by AI while ensuring ongoing support for the vitality of the creative sector. The reference group's efforts will complement existing AI-related initiatives, including Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic's work promoting the safe and responsible use of AI within the industry and science sectors.
The establishment of the reference group follows a series of copyright roundtables initiated by the Attorney General throughout the year. These roundtables provided over 50 peak bodies and organisations a platform to share insights and perspectives on copyright reform issues. The first meeting identified five issues for review—orphan works, quotation, remote learning, the definition of "broadcast," and AI. The second roundtable considered orphan works, quotation and remote learning. The third session discussed the definition of "broadcast" and AI.
The government expressed gratitude to all participants in these roundtable discussions and looks forward to continuing discussions on AI through the newly formed reference group.
Further details about the reference group and the outcomes of the fourth copyright roundtable will be available on the Attorney-General's Department's website soon.
