Exploring New Revenue-Sharing Models for Artists in AI

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has indicated that the company is looking into a novel revenue-sharing model intended to reward artists whose creations may be used in training or inspiring ChatGPT. During a recent TED event on Friday, April 11, Altman recognised the worries of creative professionals regarding artificial intelligence and the risks associated with copyright violations.

Addressing the ongoing conversations about intellectual property in the era of generative AI, Altman noted that a different model would be established to cater to these challenges. He expressed understanding for artists who perceive their work as being “taken” and see their future in jeopardy due to this emerging technology.

While discussing the intricacies of tracing inspiration, Altman was questioned about a possible framework where revenue could be determined by prompts. The interviewer proposed that OpenAI could ascertain what portion of subscription income should be allocated to artists based on specific prompts.

Specifically, while addressing the issue of using artists’ names in prompts, Altman proposed a potential opt-in arrangement. He suggested that creating an innovative model where artists could give consent to use their name could lead to an agreeable revenue distribution model.

Altman’s remarks come at a time when there is increased scrutiny regarding the use of copyrighted content in the development of large language models. Many artists and sectors of the creative industry have raised alarms about how AI might undermine the value of their work and infringe upon their rights.

Although the specifics of this prospective revenue-sharing structure remain ambiguous, Altman’s statements imply that OpenAI is open to tackling these issues and investigating methods to fairly compensate artists in the shifting landscape of AI-fuelled creativity. The establishment of such a framework could signify a considerable advance in closing the divide between AI developers and the artistic community.