AI innovation is revolutionizing the world, from generating images and videos to powering intelligent conversations. Its applications are expanding rapidly, with more and more people experimenting with its capabilities.
On October 31, major Japanese manga publisher Shueisha issued an official statement addressing the issue of copyright infringement caused by generative AI. The company emphasized its commitment to "strictly addressing all infringing activities," urging users to be mindful of relevant regulations when utilizing AI.
Shueisha noted that since OpenAI's video generation AI, "Sora 2," was recently unveiled, numerous videos strikingly similar to popular manga characters from Shueisha's works have appeared online. The proliferation of these images has raised significant alarms across the publishing and animation industries.
▼ Sora 2, in many of its generated videos, reportedly allows the use of copyrighted characters or materials by default, such as Pokémon, Mario, and Dragon Ball, which is a highly contentious issue regarding copyright.
In its statement, Shueisha sternly declared that these videos, "generated based on AI learning," are tantamount to "trampling on the efforts and dignity of creators," expressing strong concern. While the company acknowledged that "the creative possibilities brought by generative AI should be viewed positively," it unequivocally stressed that "creative activities built upon infringement absolutely cannot be tolerated."
Consequently, Shueisha is demanding that AI service providers "promptly propose more effective anti-infringement mechanisms than the current 'opt-out' system, and provide concrete relief measures for rights holders." The current opt-out system, adopted by most AI companies, requires rights holders to individually request that their works not be used for AI training, a system Shueisha deems insufficient. Furthermore, Shueisha called for "the promotion of legal reform at a national level" and stated its intention to actively advocate to the government for enhanced content protection.
Shueisha concluded its statement by clearly asserting that, regardless of AI involvement, if infringement of Shueisha's works is confirmed, "the company will take appropriate and strict legal action." Moving forward, Shueisha will also collaborate with other copyright holders and relevant industry organizations to establish and maintain a sustainable creative environment.
As generative AI technology continues to evolve, the barrier to creation has been significantly lowered, but this also brings forth copyright and ethical controversies. Shueisha's recent declaration marks a clear warning line drawn by the Japanese publishing industry regarding AI infringement, potentially influencing the entire industry and policy direction in the future.
via： 集英社官方聲明