The article explores the use of pirated books to train generative AI systems and the implications for authors and the writing industry. The author, who wrote a book about James Cameron, discovers that his book is being used as part of a dataset known as Books3, along with works by well-known authors. While initially flattered to be included with more successful writers, the author becomes concerned about the threat AI poses to his career as a journalist. The article also discusses the lawsuits filed by authors against companies like OpenAI and Meta, alleging copyright infringement, and the Writers Guild’s negotiations with studios regarding the use of AI in scriptwriting.
In the future, AI could potentially generate scripts for films, using existing scripts as a basis and hiring cheaper writers to polish them, which raises questions about intellectual property rights and the future of writing as a profession. The lawsuits against AI companies will depend on how fair use is interpreted by the courts, with companies possibly defending their use of copyrighted material as an effort to create original writing. The article highlights the uncertainty surrounding the legal landscape and the ongoing negotiations between the Writers Guild and studios regarding the use of AI in scriptwriting.
Overall, the article raises concerns about the impact of AI on the writing industry and the livelihood of writers. It highlights the need for discussions and negotiations to address the ethical and legal implications of AI-generated content, as well as the potential restructuring of creative industries.
