Lead Negotiator of WGA Strike Cautions EU Policymakers Against AI
Ellen Stutzman voiced her concerns and thoughts about the EU’s AI act at a recent event in Europe.
Hollywood writers and their representatives continue to urge caution over the rise of artificial intelligence, with concerns that regulatory frameworks may not be enough to protect the creative industries. Ellen Stutzman, the executive director of the Writers Guild of America West (WGA), who was the leader of negotiations during the recent 148-day writers’ strike, has voiced her concerns to both U.S. and EU policymakers, warning them to stay vigilant in the face of rapid AI advancements and reflecting the unease that many in Hollywood feel about the direction of AI development.
Speaking at an event in Brussels, Stutzman highlighted the potential risks AI poses, particularly in industries reliant on creative content. She emphasized the importance of safeguarding original work from being overshadowed or replaced by large language models, such as ChatGPT. According to Stutzman, while it is often argued that over-regulating AI could limit innovation, failing to act would be a mistake.
The EU’s recent AI Act, which launched in August, is seen by some as a promising step, though Stutzman remains cautious about its long-term impact. She praised its focus on acquiring transparency and permission but warned that its true effects on creative industries are yet to be evaluated. This new law evaluates AI models based on the risks they pose to the public, but its terms won’t fully come into force for another six months. The Act includes requirements for AI-generated content to be watermarked, a measure aimed at protecting original works, amongst other conditions. A monitoring group is being established to track the Act’s implementation and its impact across the 27 member states. Meanwhile, European lawmakers are already working on further regulations to address the intersection of AI and the work environment, such as calling for stronger rules.
Stutzman noted that while giant media companies like Disney, Sony, and Netflix have not developed AI models themselves, negotiations with these companies about the terms of AI use in the workplace have been productive. However, she expressed frustration at the inability to negotiate directly with companies like OpenAI, the creators of the AI tools in question. The challenge remains in addressing how these models have used copyrighted materials without permission.
Policymakers and industry leaders on both sides of the Atlantic are watching closely, as AI continues to transform the creative and tech industries alike. For now, the conversation around how best to regulate AI while protecting the livelihoods of creatives like Hollywood’s writers remains ongoing.