Summary
Adobe’s VP of Generative AI, Alexandru Costin, recently discussed the company’s approach to generative AI imagery during an interview. Adobe aims to enhance existing imagery while also protecting creators and their work. Unlike other platforms that scrape the internet for visual data, Adobe utilizes its own vast stock image library, Adobe Stock, which is free of copyrighted, trademarked, or branded material. The company trains its AI system, Firefly, using this data and ensures that it cannot render trademarked characters or recognizable figures. Notably, Adobe pays its creators for the use of their work in the AI training process. Costin acknowledges the need for governance with the new models and has developed safeguards for different markets, such as education, to prevent the creation of NSFW content. Additionally, Adobe’s generative tools consider the requester’s location and demographic distribution to reflect the diversity of its creators’ communities. As Adobe transforms into an AI company, it aims to amplify creativity while prioritizing ethical considerations and the protection of artists’ rights.
A Different Approach: Enhancing Imagery Responsibly
Adobe’s entry into the generative AI space has taken a different path compared to other platforms. Rather than relying on internet scraping, Adobe leverages its own extensive stock image library, ensuring that the AI system does not generate copyrighted or trademarked content. This approach not only protects creators but also allows Adobe to compensate artists for the use of their work in training the AI models. By focusing on enhancing existing imagery rather than generating completely new content, Adobe caters to the preferences of its millions of users within the creative community.
Addressing Ethical Concerns and Governance
Recognizing the need for governance, Alexandru Costin emphasizes that the new generative AI models require careful management. Adobe has taken steps to address potential issues such as the creation of inappropriate or NSFW content. For the education market, the system has been adjusted to exclude such content while still providing creative options for adult artists. Moreover, Adobe considers the requester’s location and demographic characteristics to ensure that the generated content accurately represents diverse communities, although challenges related to bias elimination persist.
Emphasizing Trust and Amplified Creativity
Costin highlights the importance of trust in an era of rapidly advancing technologies. While generative AI has the potential to amplify creativity, it also raises concerns about the authenticity of imagery. Adobe aims to combat this by promoting transparency and authenticity through its systems. The company seeks to provide users with the confidence that what they see and create is reliable and trustworthy.
As Adobe continues down the path of transformation from a software company to an AI company, it remains committed to the responsible use of generative AI, prioritizing the protection of creators’ rights and promoting ethical guidelines for the industry. By offering a platform that enhances existing imagery and compensates artists, Adobe seeks to empower its users while upholding ethical standards.