Artificial intelligence (AI) experts and researchers in Japan are raising concerns about the potential consequences of training AI models using illegally-obtained information.
They warn of copyright infringement cases, job losses, the spread of false information, and the leaking of confidential data. With a lack of regulation surrounding AI in Japan, these issues have come to the forefront as the government’s AI strategy council drafts new policies.
Legal Gaps and Copyright Infringement:
Japanese lawmaker Takashi Kii highlighted the absence of laws that prohibit AI from using copyrighted material and illegally-acquired data for training purposes.
This legal loophole raises concerns about copyright infringement. Even if the AI is used for non-profit purposes or information analysis, there are no clear guidelines to prevent the use of illegal sources.
Uncertainty Surrounding AI Chatbots in Schools:
The adoption of AI chatbots, such as ChatGPT, in schools poses additional dilemmas. The government aims to introduce this technology into the education system by March 2024.
However, the lack of specific guidelines for their use in schools raises questions about potential risks and challenges.
The Gray Area of Copyright Protection and AI:
Andrew Petale, a lawyer and trademarks attorney, emphasizes that copyright law protects the expression of ideas rather than the ideas themselves.
In the case of AI, human input is used to train the model, but the AI generates the actual expressions. This gray area in copyright law leaves room for interpretation and calls for legal proceedings and regulation to address the complex issues surrounding AI-generated content.
Responsibility and Accountability:
Determining responsibility for copyright infringement caused by AI usage raises important questions. Should the creators of the AI be held accountable for creating a tool that can potentially infringe copyright?
Or should the responsibility lie with the individuals using AI to engage in copyright infringement? Addressing these questions requires a comprehensive legal framework and clear regulations.
