Ownership, privacy and AI: the gritty side of the glitter
Using tools such as ChatGPT to generate content opens up a real possibility of violating privacy or ownership laws.
AI tools can seem very glamorous but you must make sure that your AI-generated content meets legal and ethical standards.
Use the following so your content can be legally compliant:
- Make sure you understand copyright laws.
- Use licensed or public domain content.
- Give credit for all copyrighted material.
- Respect privacy rights.
- Only use AI-generated content as a starting point.
- Stay informed.
- Get legal advice if you need it.
Check copyright laws
Imagine you’re using an AI tool (for example, ChatGPT) to produce some text as a basis for new content.
Be aware that AI-generated content is not copyrighted. Not in the USA, UK or EU.
However, the sources that AI-generated text uses in its responses often are under copyright. This includes literary work, including essays, articles, books and blog posts.
AI tools such as ChatGPT don’t know about specific sources or their copyright status. This means their responses can break copyright laws.
Copyright laws can vary, depending on where you are and your industry. However, you can’t normally use copyrighted material without first getting permission from the copyright holder.
Use licensed or public domain content
To avoid problems, use your AI prompt to ask for resources that are:
- licensed
- public domain
- royalty-free resources
This can avoid breach of copyright. Also, verify terms of use for any resources you decide to include.
Give credit for all copyrighted material
Give proper credit (otherwise known as “attribute”) to the original creator if you use copyrighted material.
You should also provide a critical context to the copyrighted material in your work. For example, the reasons why you are using the copyrighted material. This can help you avoid copyright violations.
You can use a limited amount of material under copyright in the USA and UK under a “Fair use” regulation if you use the material for:
- education
- research
- news reporting
- commentary and criticism
How much copyrighted material you’re allowed to use can vary depending on why and how you’re using it.
Respect privacy rights
You must be aware of people’s privacy rights when you use AI-generated content. You can’t use personal or sensitive information about individuals without their consent.
Make sure that the AI applications you’re using comply with privacy and data protection regulations.
Use AI content as a starting point
AI-generated material can serve as a starting point for great content.
However, you should use your understanding of user needs and human creativity to make original content that is worth reading.
Using your own skills will reduce the risk of producing content that closely resembles existing copyrighted material.
Stay informed
Keep up to date with:
- changes to copyright law
- AI-related legal developments
Wherever you are in the world, AI-related laws are constantly evolving. For example, the EU is expected to bring in new laws giving greater protection to authors’ original work.
Also, remember to check terms of service and ethical guidelines. Some AI providers have developed their own guidelines on privacy and copyright.
Get legal advice if you need help
Always get help from a legal expert if you’re not sure about copyright, whether your source content was created by AI tools or not.
Get help from Llibertat so you can make the most of new technology by starting with user needs.
