In a compelling op-ed for The Washington Post, renowned actor, and director Joseph Gordon-Levitt called for a revolutionary change in how artificial intelligence (AI) training data contributors are compensated. He emphasized the need for mandatory residuals to be paid to individuals whose work contributes to training generative AI tools and applications.
Gordon-Levitt, a proud member of Hollywood’s labor unions for writers and actors (WGA and SAG-AFTRA), pointed out that the ongoing strike and negotiations surrounding streaming residuals underscore the importance of fairly compensating creators. However, he argued that this issue reaches far beyond the entertainment industry.
The actor highlighted that various professions, including doctors, engineers, and anyone whose work involves a computer, will face job threats from AI as it advances. Interestingly, these individuals generate the data that train AI systems. Hence, he asserted that these human data producers deserve reimbursed appropriately through a new form of residuals.
Admittedly, implementing such a residuals program would require more technology. AI systems must meticulously track each piece of training data, determine their influence on generated outputs, and attribute them to verified human contributors. A reliable payment channel should also be established to ensure timely compensation.
Gordon-Levitt compared this situation to the entertainment industry, where significant studios own copyrights and profit from artistic creations. Similarly, tech giants stand to benefit the most from AI tools and applications built on human-created data from the internet. Whether AI-driven movies or other profitable ventures, those who contributed to the original data deserve a share of the revenue.
The actor urged that the cost of human labor invested in training AI tools and applications must be noticed. As AI rapidly changes the world, it is crucial to consider how these changes will impact individuals and their livelihoods. According to Gordon-Levitt, a bright future lies in acknowledging and compensating for the hard work of human data producers.
In conclusion, Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s call for mandatory residuals for AI training data contributors goes beyond the realm of Hollywood and encompasses a global need for fair compensation. Embracing this change could lead to a world where careers are more productive, meaningful, and equitable for everyone involved. The responsibility lies with us to shape this promising future amidst the transformative power of AI.
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