Senators Propose COPIED Act to Protect AI-Generated Content

As a researcher with a background in technology and media studies, I believe that the COPIED Act is a significant step forward in addressing the issue of AI-generated content and deepfakes. The bill’s focus on transparency and creator control is crucial in an era where technological advancements have made it increasingly easy for bad actors to manipulate and exploit others’ content without consent.


A team of bipartisan U.S. senators, with Senator Maria Cantwell from Washington taking the lead, presented the Content Origin Protection and Integrity from Edited and Deepfaked Media (COPIED) Act to the public on Thursday.

The COPIED Act introduces a uniform approach for watermarking AI-created content, enabling simple identification. This legislation requires AI tool suppliers to enable creators to add permanent metadata describing the source or origin, referred to as “provenance,” of their generated content.

Senators Marsha Blackburn from Tennessee and Martin Heinrich from New Mexico are among the bill’s supporters. According to Senator Cantwell, the COPIED Act aims to introduce transparency into AI-generated content. This legislation enables creators such as local journalists, artists, and musicians to reclaim ownership of their work through a robust system that ensures provenance and watermarking.

Under this proposal, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) will be responsible for creating the watermarking techniques and data standards. Furthermore, the COPIED Act prevents unauthorized usage of content for AI training, thereby granting creators control and financial gain. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state attorneys general are tasked with enforcing these regulations.

As a researcher studying the regulatory landscape of technology, I can tell you that in November, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reaffirmed its responsibility to oversee the use of generative AI. They highlighted the potential for this technology to significantly amplify deceitful practices, thereby emphasizing their dedication to safeguarding consumers from harm.

Sen. Blackburn underscored the significance of the bill, explaining, “Artificial intelligence has allowed malicious actors to generate deepfakes, deceitfully using people’s likenesses without permission. The COPIED Act is essential for shielding artists and performers from this fraudulent content.”

As a researcher studying the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on individual privacy, I wholeheartedly endorse Senator Cantwell’s bill. This legislation will bring much-needed transparency and traceability to the AI content supply chain. By doing so, it empowers victims of AI misuse to identify and pursue malicious actors. The creation of a transparent and accountable AI content supply chain is crucial in upholding individuals’ rights over their faces, voices, and personas.

As a crypto investor and supporter of intellectual property rights, I can’t stress enough the importance of safeguarding artists’ legacies in today’s world where AI-generated deepfakes are becoming increasingly common. The COPIED Act’s provenance requirements serve as a crucial foundation for enforcing creators’ rights, ensuring that their works remain authentic and protected.

Read More

Sorry. No data so far.

2024-07-12 13:08