Ensuring Transparency and Ethical AI: CEPIC's Advocacy Meeting with DG Connect - Copyright Unit

In a significant stride towards ensuring transparency and ethical practices in the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI), representatives from various sectors including music, news publishing, scientific publishing, and images congregated for a crucial meeting with DG Connect - Copyright Unit. This pivotal discussion followed the issuance of the Joint Rights Holders Statement in July, a testament to our collective commitment to shaping responsible AI legislation.

Meeting Participants: On one side were representatives from organisations that endorsed the joint letter, along with the noteworthy presence of Ivanova Yordanka, who captivated audiences with a presentation at the Juan les Pins CEPIC Congress. On the other side, the European Commission was represented by Kilian Gross, Head of Unit at DG Connect, and Emmanuelle Du Charlard, deputy head of the Copyright Unit, showcasing a collaborative effort to address the challenges and opportunities presented by AI technologies.

Transparency, Competition, and Ethical Considerations: The focal point of this discussion was the transparency requirements concerning "training data protected under copyright law." The Commission posed essential questions, seeking insights from our side:

1. Granularity of Transparency: We affirmed that existing standards, such as IPTC standards, offer a sufficient and implementable level of granularity, ensuring practicality and adherence.
2. Competitiveness: Addressing concerns about global competitiveness, we challenged the notion that stringent transparency measures hinder the EU's standing. Emphasising that ethical concerns in AI are a global discourse, we pointed out ongoing legal challenges in the USA, exemplified by Getty Images, highlighting the commitment of ethical players in the industry.
3. EU Copyright Directive: Discussing the functionality of output obligations outlined in the EU Copyright Directive, we cited a pertinent lawsuit in Germany. This case, rooted in Articles 3 and 4 of the Directive, underscores the importance of addressing opt-out mechanisms and copyright concerns.

CEPIC's Proactive Approach: We asserted our proactive stance by sharing our comprehensive AI Guidelines and proposed further engagements with DG Connect. Our aim is to facilitate a robust dialogue and provide all necessary information to support informed decision-making.

This meeting signifies a significant step in our mission to advocate for ethical AI practices and transparent AI legislation. We remain committed to shaping an AI landscape that is not only technologically advanced but also morally upright, ensuring a fair and competitive environment for all.

Stay tuned for updates on this crucial endeavour as we work towards a future where AI aligns with ethical principles and responsible practices.