Evolving AI Transparency: The Generative AI Copyright Disclosure Act

A few days ago a new bill on AI was introduced in the US congress by Adam Schiff. This legislation would require AI companies to disclose which copyrighted materials they used to train their generative AI models. The bill, called the Generative AI Copyright Disclosure Act, would require companies to submit a notice to the Register of Copyrights at least 30 days prior to the release of a new generative AI system. Failure to disclose could result in fines. The bill is supported by creative industry.

The overview of the bill

The “Generative AI Copyright Disclosure Act of 2024“, is a proposed bill introduced by Mr. Schiff. The act mandates individuals or entities who create or significantly alter training datasets used in building generative AI systems to submit a notice to the Register of Copyrights. This notice must include a detailed summary of any copyrighted works used in the dataset and, if available, the URL of the dataset.

Key provisions of the bill include:

  • Notice Requirement: Creators or modifiers of training datasets for generative AI must notify the Register of Copyrights, detailing the copyrighted works used and providing dataset URLs if publicly available.
  • Timing for Filing Notice: Notices must be submitted at least 30 days before making the generative AI system available to consumers, or within 30 days after the act takes effect for systems already available.
  • Civil Penalty for Non-compliance: Failure to comply with these requirements can result in a civil penalty of no less than $5,000.
  • Public Database: A publicly accessible online database will be established to contain each filed notice.
  • Definitions: The act defines terms such as “Artificial Intelligence,” “copyrighted work,” “generative AI model,” “generative AI system,” and “training dataset.”

The act aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of copyrighted works within generative AI development, underscoring the need for legal frameworks that protect intellectual property rights in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. It highlights the increasing significance of generative AI systems and the complexities surrounding the protection of creative and intellectual contributions in such technologies.

Creative industry’s support

The act has attracted support from entertainment industry leaders and labor unions. This backing emphasizes the bill’s relevance in protecting creators’ rights and ensuring ethical AI development (1, 2).

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