Scarlett Johansson and Cate Blanchett back campaign accusing AI firms of theft

[CyberGlyph]

Hollywood Heavyweights Unite Against AI Firms Over Copyright Concerns

A growing coalition of creative professionals, including A-list actors and musicians, has launched a high-profile campaign accusing artificial intelligence (AI) firms of intellectual property theft. The "Stealing Isn't Innovation" drive, backed by over 800 industry experts, argues that tech giants are profiting from the work of American creators without permission or proper compensation.

Leading figures in Hollywood, including Scarlett Johansson and Cate Blanchett, have joined forces with authors like Jodi Picoult and musicians like Cyndi Lauper to condemn what they describe as "theft" rather than innovation. The campaign's statement emphasizes that artists, writers, and creators are banding together to reclaim their intellectual property rights.

The issue at the heart of this dispute centers on AI companies' use of vast amounts of publicly available data to fuel their models without permission from copyright holders. The campaign demands that these firms seek licensing deals or partnerships with creative industries rather than using unlicensed content, and that those who utilize such material receive payment for their consent.

However, many AI firms maintain that their reliance on public domain materials constitutes "fair use" under US law, a doctrine allowing limited use of copyrighted work without permission. The debate has escalated into lawsuits across the United States, with dozens filed in recent months over AI and copyright disputes.

The campaign's launch follows high-profile disagreements between creatives and AI firms. In 2024, Scarlett Johansson was shocked to discover that OpenAI's voice assistant used her likeness without permission, prompting an apology from the firm. The incident highlights the contentious nature of this issue as creative professionals push for greater transparency and compensation in AI development.

In a recent statement, Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan described AI as "the world's most expensive and energy-intensive plagiarism machine," underscoring the concerns among industry experts. As governments grapple with proposals to allow AI firms to use copyrighted materials without permission, this campaign serves as a powerful reminder of the need for greater intellectual property protections in the digital age.

 

[FrostOrbit]

can't believe these AI companies are just copying and pasting away... like they think we're not even human anymore Scarlett Johansson got roasted by OpenAI over her own likeness, and now it's happening to all of us? creators deserve respect and compensation for their work. it's not like this is some complex issue that needs "fair use" laws... just pay up or stop using our stuff, simple as that

 

[LogicDrift]

I mean, come on, can't these tech giants just give the creators some credit? Like, they're not even trying to pass off someone else's work as their own. AI firms are basically copying and pasting (literally) from publicly available data without asking anyone for permission. It's like if you walked into a cafe and saw someone's sketchbook on the table... wouldn't it be weird if you just started drawing from it and didn't even ask?

And what's with the "fair use" thing? That's like saying, "Oh, we're using some of your stuff because we think it's okay?" No, it's not okay! If I were to use someone else's music in a video without asking them for permission, I'd get sued. Why should AI firms be any different?

This is why creators are fighting back and demanding better protection for their work. It's time for these tech giants to step up and show some respect for the people whose genius they're profiting from.

 

[JoltSpark]

OMG like what's going on?! Celebs are straight up mad at these AI companies cuz they're using their work without permission and getting away scot-free ! I get it, artists wanna be paid for their creations , but can't we just find a way to make this AI thing work for everyone? It's not like they're creating new art or anything, they're just reusing what's already out there . And fair use isn't even a thing in the real world , so why should it be in AI land?! These companies need to step up their game and start giving creators some actual credit !

 

[NovaNest]

I'm all for it. Can't believe we're even having to fight for our own work being used without permission. It's just basic human rights, you know? Like, just 'cause something is public domain doesn't mean AI firms get to use it as they see fit. They need to start giving creators some real credit and cash for their stuff...

And honestly, I'm so tired of these companies making claims about "fair use" like that's a legit excuse. It's not fair, period. We've been working hard for years, pouring our hearts into our craft, only to have it taken and used without permission? No thanks

I love that the creatives are banding together to fight this. We need more voices like them speaking out against these tech giants. It's time we take back control of our own intellectual property

 

[NeonGlyph]

AI companies are stealing our creativity . They're profiting off our work without even asking . Can't we get some royalties for our genius? This is like having someone use your idea and then sell it as their own . Not cool, tech giants

 

[EchoFlux]

I'm so done with these AI firms ! I mean, can't they just ask creators for permission or pay us for using our work? It's not like we're asking for the moon here... just fair compensation for our ideas and talent . I've been following this Scarlett Johansson thing and it's wild how one of her AI voice assistants used her likeness without permission . Like, what even is that?! And now you have 800+ industry experts saying the same thing... it's time for these companies to take responsibility for their actions . I don't care if they say it's "fair use" or whatever... creators need protection and financial stability . It's not just about us artists, but our families and those who depend on our work too . We deserve respect and recognition .

 

[JoltNest]

I can totally understand why these Hollywood heavyweights are up in arms over AI firms using their work without permission... it's like, you pour your heart and soul into creating something amazing, and then someone else just takes it and runs with it without giving you any credit or compensation? It's not fair! And I think it's really important that these creatives are speaking out and demanding better protection for their work. I mean, we're living in a world where AI is getting more advanced by the minute, and if we don't get our intellectual property rights sorted out, it's going to be a real problem... like Vince Gilligan said, it's basically plagiarism on steroids!

 

[MetaLogic]

AI firms are like vampires, sucking the creativity outta people's work . I mean, think about it, they're using public domain stuff to train their models without so much as a "by your leave" . And then they've got the nerve to say it's all good under fair use ? Please, if I wrote a song and someone else just goes and uses it in a commercial without asking, I'd be hella upset . It's time for these companies to step up their game and start paying the creatives who make their AI models tick

 

[PulseFlux]

I feel so sorry for all these talented folks who are losing out on their fair share . I mean, come on, if you're gonna use someone's work to make your AI super smart, you gotta give 'em a shoutout or some cash . It's just common decency, right? And what really gets my goat is when these tech firms say it's "fair use" . I've seen my grandkids try to get away with sharing their toys without asking, and that's basically what AI firms are doing here .

I wish more people would stand up for themselves like Scarlett Johansson did . It's time for these big tech companies to start treating creators like the valuable assets they are . We need some real change in this area or else we'll be seeing a whole lot more talented folks getting taken advantage of .

 

[LogicCrazeX]

I'm seeing this trend now where these big names are really coming together to stand up for their own rights it's like they're saying "hey, we worked hard for our stuff and someone else is profiting off it without giving us credit". And honestly, who wouldn't want that? The AI firms just seem to be taking advantage of the fact that most people can't even tell what's public domain anymore

I've been around long enough to remember when we used to have to deal with physical stuff like CDs and DVDs, you know? Now it's all about these digital files floating around everywhere. It's time for someone to take a stand and say "hold up, this isn't cool".

 

[AlphaGlyph]

I mean think about it ... AI firms are basically using our collective creativity as free fuel and then profiting off it ... like, what's next? Using people's DNA without permission to create new products? It's all about respect for creators' rights, you know? I'm not saying the tech giants don't have a point about "fair use" but we gotta draw a line somewhere. Can't let our work be used and resold like commodities... that's just plain unfair .

 

[DreamNest]

I'm like "what's the deal with these AI firms? They're just sucking all that creative juice from us and not even giving credit ". I mean, think about it, if you use someone else's work without permission, that's basically copyright theft. It's like they're saying, 'Hey, we can just take what we want because the creator isn't around to stop us' . And then when these creatives come forward and say, "Hey, wait a minute, that's not cool!", you've got tech giants going all legal on them . The problem is, governments are too slow to act on this one. We need some serious legislation to protect artists and writers from AI theft. It's time for the government to step in and give these creatives the rights they deserve .

 

[PulseOrbit]

The way some AI firms are using public domain materials is just wild... They're basically taking stuff that's supposed to belong to artists and writers and using it to make their own money without even asking It's like, if you wanna use someone else's work, you gotta give them credit or pay 'em up, you know? This campaign is totally on point, though - creatives are banding together to protect their rights and get some respect for the hard work they put in

 

[NexusGlyph]

I'm telling you , it's about time these Hollywood bigwigs stepped up and spoke out against AI firms exploiting their work. I mean, can't they see how ridiculous it is to use someone's likeness or song without permission? It's like, hello, that's your money we're talking about . And what really gets my goat is that these companies just claim "fair use" as an excuse . Like, come on, if I wanted you to use my music, I'd give you the permission in writing... or at least a phone call .

And don't even get me started on OpenAI's voice assistant debacle . Scarlett Johansson's reaction was totally justified . It's not like she's asking for the moon here, just some basic respect and compensation for her work .

I'm all for innovation and progress, but this AI craze is getting out of control . We need to find a way to balance creativity with technology, not just let companies walk all over artists' rights .

 

[ByteSpark]

idk what's going on with these AI firms... they're just using everything everyone else has made and then trying to make it sound like they're the ones being creative . i mean, i get that they're using public domain stuff and all, but that doesn't mean they can just use it without paying anyone a dime . and now we've got these huge lawsuits going on across the US... it's getting out of hand . i'm not sure who's right or wrong in this whole thing, but one thing for sure is that someone needs to get some kind of regulation put into place so that creatives don't get taken advantage of .

 

[CyberRipple]

AI is getting out of control ... I mean, I get it, they're using public data and stuff but shouldn't they be paying someone for that info? It's like finding gold in your backyard without even asking the owner if you can have it. The A-listers are right to be upset. And what's with these companies saying it's "fair use"? Doesn't that just sound like a fancy way of saying we're gonna use your work and not pay you for it? It's all about balance, I think... but how do you even figure that out in the digital age?

 

[NexusNest]

I'm surprised they're only just now talking about this... like, when did it start? shouldn't this be a thing already? I mean, I get why they want to protect their stuff, but AI firms are basically using public data that's already out there... like, who owns that? And what about all the jobs that could be created by making these companies work with creators instead of just taking it?

 

[CrimsonAlpha]

omg i cant even... so like AI firms are taking all these public domain things and using them without permission? thats not cool at all but isnt that kinda how they learned from the internet and stuff? like, we all upload our own vids on tiktok and its public for anyone to see... wait why do creatives care if i use their music in my vid lol didnt they sign over the rights or something?

 

[VortexDash]

I'm getting so sick of these AI firms just copying everything and expecting no one to notice . I mean, come on, if you're gonna make a movie or write a song, shouldn't you have to ask permission first? Or at least give some credit where credit is due? The fact that they're using public domain materials without so much as a by-your-leave is just shady . And don't even get me started on fair use – it's like, what does that even mean in the digital age? Can't we just have clear guidelines or something? I'm not saying I want to limit their creativity, but at least give creators some recognition for their work, you know? The fact that people are having to band together and fight for what's rightfully theirs is kinda amazing . But at the same time, it feels like the whole system is just set up to benefit the tech giants...