OpenAI has recently come under fire from artists, writers, and publishers who claim that their work was used inappropriately to train the algorithms powering ChatGPT and other AI systems. In response to these lawsuits, the company announced a new tool called Media Manager, set to launch in 2025. This tool is aimed at giving content creators more control over how their work is used in OpenAI’s AI development process.
OpenAI describes Media Manager as a way for creators and content owners to specify how they want their works to be included or excluded from machine learning research and training. The company claims to be working with creators, content owners, and regulators to develop this tool with the intention of setting an industry standard. However, there are still many unanswered questions surrounding the operation of Media Manager.
Ed Newton-Rex, CEO of Fairly Trained, a startup that certifies AI companies using ethically-sourced training data, welcomes OpenAI’s shift towards giving more control to content owners. However, he emphasizes the importance of the implementation details, which have not been fully disclosed yet. Newton-Rex raises concerns about whether Media Manager will truly allow content owners to opt out of having their data used by OpenAI or if it is merely an illusion of control.
One major question is whether Media Manager will only function as an opt-out tool, leaving OpenAI free to use data without permission unless specifically requested to exclude it. Additionally, the scope of Media Manager’s impact on OpenAI’s overall business practices remains uncertain. Will this tool signify a larger shift in how OpenAI operates, or is it simply a superficial gesture to address the ongoing controversy?
OpenAI is not the first company to explore ways for artists and content creators to signal their preferences regarding the use of their work in AI projects. Tech companies like Adobe and Tumblr have already implemented opt-out tools for data collection and machine learning purposes. Spawning, a startup that launched a registry named Do Not Train, has collected preferences for 1.5 billion works. Jordan Meyer, Spawning’s CEO, expresses openness to collaborating with OpenAI on Media Manager if it can simplify the process of registering universal opt-outs.
While OpenAI’s efforts to address the concerns raised by content creators are commendable, there are still many uncertainties surrounding the effectiveness and implications of Media Manager. The success of this tool will ultimately depend on the level of transparency, control, and accountability it provides to artists and content owners. As the AI industry continues to grapple with ethical dilemmas related to data usage, it is crucial for companies like OpenAI to prioritize the protection of creators’ rights and interests in their AI development processes.
Leave a Reply