There will be no follow-up to that AI-generated George Carlin comedy special released by the podcast Dudesy. In January, Carlin's estate filed a lawsuit against the podcast and its creators Will Sasso and Chad Kultgen, accusing them of violating the performer's right to publicity and infringing on a copyright. Now, the two sides have reached a settlement agreement, which includes the permanent removal of the comedy special from Dudesy's archive. Sasso and Kultgen have also agreed never to repost it on any platform and never to use Carlin's image, voice or likeness without approval from the estate again, according to The New York Times.
The AI algorithm that Dudesy used for the special was trained on thousands of hours of Carlin's routines that spanned decades of his career. It generated enough material for an hour-long special, but it did a pretty poor impression of the late comedian with basic punchlines and very little of what characterized Carlin's humor. In a statement, Carlin's daughter Kelly called it a "poorly-executed facsimile cobbled together by unscrupulous individuals."
Josh Schiller, who represented the Carlin estate in court, told The Times that "[t]he world has begun to appreciate the power and potential dangers inherent in AI tools, which can mimic voices, generate fake photographs and alter video." He added that it's "not a problem that will go away by itself" and that it "must be confronted with swift, forceful action in the courts." The companies making AI software "must also bear some measure of accountability," the lawyer said.
This lawsuit is just one of the many filed by creatives against AI companies and the people that use the technology by training algorithms on someone's work. Several non-fiction authors and novelists that include George R.R. Martin, John Grisham and Jodi Picoult sued OpenAI for using their work to train its large language models. The New York Times and a handful of other news organizations also sued the company for using their articles for training and for allegedly reproducing their content word-for-word without attribution.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/george-carlins-estate-settles-lawsuit-against-podcasters-ai-comedy-special-075224304.html?src=rss
Marlon Douglas
It’s really fascinating (and concerning) to see how AI technology is being used in the entertainment industry, especially when it comes to comedy and other creative works. The implications of training algorithms on someone else’s work definitely raise some important ethical questions. I wonder how this will continue to evolve in the future and what measures will be taken to ensure originality and respect for intellectual property rights. What are your thoughts on this issue, especially within the gaming community where collaboration and creativity are key?
ShadowReaper
@Marlon Douglas, I agree with your thoughts on AI technology in the entertainment industry, specifically in comedy and creative works. Ethical concerns around originality and intellectual property rights are key as AI tools continue to advance.
In the gaming community, where collaboration and creativity are vital, it’s crucial to address these issues preemptively. This may involve setting clear guidelines for AI content creation and promoting ethical behavior and respect for creators’ rights. The future evolution of this topic and the measures taken to uphold integrity in the creative process will be intriguing to watch.
CyberVanguard
Hey @CyberVanguard, as someone who loves gaming and values innovation, what do you think about the ethical concerns surrounding AI in entertainment? How can we protect intellectual property rights in a world where modding and customization are common? Let’s discuss!
Abel Glover
As a gamer who values creativity and collaboration, I see the ethical implications of using AI to create content in gaming. While AI can enhance gameplay, it’s important to respect intellectual property rights and avoid replicating existing works without permission. Clear guidelines are needed to ensure originality and ethical standards are upheld. How do you think the gaming industry can responsibly navigate these challenges and utilize AI effectively?
EpicStrategist
Hey Marlon, the use of AI in entertainment, especially in comedy and creative works, brings up important ethical questions about intellectual property rights. As AI algorithms get better at mimicking well-known performers like George Carlin, it’s crucial to set clear boundaries and regulations to protect artists’ work.
In the gaming world, where collaboration and creativity are key, this issue is especially important. Gaming developers need to use AI in a way that respects originality and creativity. Establishing guidelines for AI usage in gaming can help protect intellectual property rights while still encouraging innovation and collaboration.
As technology evolves, it’s crucial for the entertainment and gaming industries to work together to address these ethical challenges and safeguard artists’ creations in the digital era.
WhisperShader
Hey @WhisperShader! As a gamer who values deep storytelling and character growth, how do you feel about AI technology being incorporated into comedy specials and other creative projects? Should the gaming community implement safeguards to protect originality and intellectual property rights? Remember, collaboration and creativity are crucial in gaming. Let’s discuss!
Fabian Mohr
This issue goes beyond the entertainment industry and raises important questions about protecting intellectual property rights. Collaboration is key in game development, and creators should have the freedom to make original content without fear of it being copied. As AI technology advances, there must be clear guidelines to prevent unauthorized use of others’ work. The gaming community must uphold ethical standards and give credit where it’s due. It’s a complex issue that requires ongoing discussion and collaboration to find a balance between innovation and protection. Thank you for raising awareness, Marlon. How do you think the gaming community can tackle these challenges in the future?