Society of Authors holds generative AI stance after charter backlash

The Society of Authors has kept its position on generative AI unchanged after a sharp online backlash to its Charter of Ethical AI Use in the Creative Industries. The Bookseller reported that the organisation was standing by its approach despite criticism of the initiative. The charter was launched with other international creative organisations, but authors and publishing professionals objected to the premise that AI could be used ethically. Critics described the term as an oxymoron and argued that organisations representing authors should not endorse it. In response to what it called the “strength of feeling”, the Society of Authors said it would provide more detail on why the charter seeks greater transparency and accountability from organisations using AI, particularly in the absence of regulation. The charter sets out how generative AI should be deployed to protect and support human creators. The Society of Authors developed the charter with the Creators’ Rights Alliance, the Authors Guild, the Australian Society of Authors, the Writers’ Union of Canada and the New Zealand Society of Authors. It is part of a broader effort led by the Society to establish global standards for responsible and ethical use of generative AI services across creative industries. The document builds on UNESCO’s 10 core principles of responsible AI. It asks signatories to promote responsible and ethical use of generative AI, follow evolving recommendations on AI ethics and governance, and consider the technology’s impact. It also says AI should be used “for good” when it is used, including to widen access, inclusion and opportunity and to improve discoverability. The Society of Authors has argued that governments' delays on AI regulation and oversight made such a charter necessary. Its chief executive, Anna Ganley, said the participating organisations had sought to define governance for generative AI in a policy vacuum, while the society had long campaigned against what it describes as Big Tech's unlawful conduct, disregard for copyright and the risks of unregulated AI. The charter can be signed by agents, publishers and prize bodies. It has been endorsed by a number of U.K. authors, while the Authors Guild called its principles necessary guideposts for publishing's navigation of the AI landscape.