Explore the complexities of AI-generated content and copyright laws. Understand whether content created by artificial intelligence can be copyrighted and the implications for creators and businesses.
So, in this blog, we explore the topic of whether AI content can be copyrighted or not. And also looks out for the latest policies of well-known search engines like Google in 2024. What is the policy, and what are the copyright and AI updates?
Understanding copyrights and content generated by AI:
Traditionally, human-created original works of authorship have been protected by copyright law. These works include compositions in the arts, music, and literature, among other genres.
But when AI creates content independently, the question of who owns the copyright—if anyone—emerges.
First of all, media created by generative AI tools includes written text, audio, video, code, and other types of media.
As per the latest U.S. copyright legislation and comparable systems in numerous other countries, the right to copyright is exclusively reserved for individuals who create.
Copyright protection does not apply to content created solely by AI without substantial human involvement.
The U.S. Copyright Office verified this in 2023, highlighting the fact that works produced solely by artificial intelligence are not eligible for copyright protection.
Expert Perspective:
Ryan Abbott, a professor of law and health sciences at the University of Surrey, remarked,
“While AI-generated content challenges our traditional understanding of authorship and copyright, the current legal framework still prioritizes human creativity. The question isn’t just who owns the content, but how we adapt our laws to account for these new technologies.”
What does Google say about it?
Google considers content created using the E-E-A-T formula to be valuable for users, regardless of the writing process—whether it is done by a human or an AI.
- In Google’s heart for content creators.
- E-E-A-T: expertise, experience, authoritativeness, trustworthiness.
Google only wants whatever content you create; this must be according to the E-E-A-T formula.
“Our focus on the quality of content, rather than how content is produced, is a useful guide that has helped us deliver reliable, high quality results to users for years.”
- Google’s words
E: Expertise:
- Ensure that content is created or reviewed by experts in this field.
- This person or group of people has qualifications or understanding for this topic, which is more important.
E: Experience:
- A person or group of people who create content must have excellent writing skills and an understanding of information to present in front of an audience.
- That means they have to practice and experience to do their work perfectly for the audience and others too.
A: Autoritativeness:
- Build a high-rated online presence through consistency and high-quality content.
- Participate in events that are related to your content, Earn mentions, backlinks, and many more.
T:Trustworthiness:
- Transparency about your profession, content, and organization.
- Render clear contact information, user privacy policies, and terms of your service.
- Encourage your reviews or feedback to build trust.
Here is some basic formula explanation that Google relies on. Google only wants its content, and media should be transparent, clear, and valuable for the audience.
So, you can make a draft from AI content from a generative AI tool, you have to add your personal experience, expertise, and authoritativeness. So, it looks trustworthy and catchy, plus original.
Industry perspective:
Danny Sullivan, Google’s Public Liaison for Search, stated,
“AI is a powerful tool, but it must be used responsibly. We’re committed to ensuring that AI-generated content maintains the quality, originality, and ethical standards our users expect.”
What should be the solution?
As we previously figured out, you can use an AI tool to get an idea or draft, but you have to add your own to make it reliable. And we should go with “human and AI collaboration.”
The result of this collaboration might be eligible for copyright protection since human labour brings originality and creativity.
It is recommended that content creators embrace ethical AI principles such as accountability, transparency, and equity. By doing this, they can gain the audience’s trust and comply with search engine policies.
Make sure you have the right to use the generated content as needed, particularly for commercial purposes, by using AI tools that offer transparent licensing terms.
This type of solution we can implement and make changes in our content.
Thought Leadership:
AI ethicist, Timnit Gebru, noted,
“The intersection of AI and copyright is not just a legal issue, but a societal one. As AI becomes more integrated into creative processes, we must consider the implications for authorship, ownership, and the value we place on human creativity.”
Conclusion:
The issue of whether copyright can be applied to content created by AI is still complicated and multifaceted. Although works produced entirely by AI are not currently protected by copyright, content creators can still find ways to profit from and preserve their AI-generated content by working together, obtaining licenses, and following moral guidelines.
