AI image generators have been making waves for their ability to create stunning and realistic visuals. However, the issue of these models reproducing copyrighted characters without permission is becoming increasingly problematic. While text and journalistic content have been the primary focus of copyright infringement lawsuits, the misuse of copyrighted characters by AI models is a growing concern for media companies.
Recently, AI researchers Gary Marcus and Concept Artist Reid Southen conducted extensive research on this topic, shedding light on the unintended consequences of AI image generation. Neutral prompts like “outer space bounty hunter” or “animated toys” often result in images that clearly violate copyright laws. This means that users may unknowingly generate infringing images, putting themselves at risk of legal action.
To investigate the extent of this issue, I conducted my own testing using six popular image generation services: Bing Image Generator (powered by DALL-E 3), ChatGPT 4 (also powered by DALL-E 3), Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, Imagine with Meta AI, and Google SGE.
I provided three types of prompts: instructions to create a copyrighted character by itself, instructions to create a copyrighted character engaged in off-brand activities such as smoking, and neutral prompts that may or may not bring back copyrighted characters. The results were concerning.
In most image generators, obtaining images of copyrighted characters such as Mickey Mouse, Bugs Bunny, and Darth Vader was effortless. The quality varied among the generators, with Stable Diffusion XL producing lower-quality images but still recognizable ones. Bugs Bunny, in particular, was poorly rendered in Midjourney, Meta, and Stable Diffusion.
Surprisingly, ChatGPT 4 detected the copyrighted characters and returned error messages, consciously blocking their creation. This demonstrates the potential of AI models to be programmed to prevent the generation of copyrighted content. However, Microsoft’s Bing Image Generator, which also utilizes DALL-E 3, freely creates and displays copyrighted characters without restriction.
This “opt out” approach, where the burden falls on IP holders to request limitations, goes against the principles of copyright and property law. It shifts the responsibility to protect intellectual property to the rights holders, rather than the generators or users.
As AI continues to advance, it is essential to address these copyright concerns to ensure responsible and lawful use of this powerful technology. Stricter regulations and guidelines must be implemented to safeguard the intellectual property rights of content creators and prevent inadvertent infringement by AI models.
The source of the article is from the blog girabetim.com.br