Is it legal to train AI models on copyrighted books? It’s complicated

The legality of training AI models on copyrighted books is under intense scrutiny. TechCrunch notes that the situation is complicated. The Columbia Undergraduate Law Review hosted a roundtable discussing the limits of cross-border governance in AI and copyright law. The EUobserver interviewed experts on whether copyright protects AI-generated content in Europe. Bar and Bench explored whether “private use” can serve as a safe harbor for AI training.

JD Supra examined the question of who owns the copyright in work generated by a large language model (LLM). The debate centers on the interpretation of copyright law in the context of AI. The EUobserver's interview suggests that European regulations may offer some protections for AI-generated content. Meanwhile, Bar and Bench's analysis indicates that the concept of “private use” might provide a legal shield for AI training activities. JD Supra's article raises questions about ownership of AI-generated works, adding another layer of complexity to the discussion.

There is no consensus among legal experts on the legality of training AI models on copyrighted books. The debate involves multiple legal and ethical considerations, with different outlets presenting varying perspectives. The current state of the discussion reflects the ongoing efforts to adapt copyright law to the rapidly evolving field of AI.