TL;DR:
- Ugandan authors are calling for legislation on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to protect their intellectual property rights.
- The current copyright law does not address the challenges posed by AI technology.
- AI, exemplified by ChatGPT, has revolutionized the way people interact with technology.
- Isaac Christopher Lubogo, an award-winning legal depositor, emphasizes the need for AI-specific laws.
- Lubogo highlights the potential benefits and competition AI presents for authors.
- The Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act of 2006 protects works such as novels, poems, and songs.
- Lubogo raises concerns about the transition of copyright ownership from individuals to AI after 55 years.
- Adonia Katungisa, Director of the National Library of Uganda, urges the promotion of a reading culture.
Main AI News:
Uganda’s esteemed authors and writers have come together to advocate for the implementation of a comprehensive law concerning Artificial Intelligence (AI). They argue that the existing copyright legislation only addresses issues pertaining to human authors, failing to account for the implications and challenges posed by AI technology.
In recent years, AI has made remarkable advancements, revolutionizing the way individuals engage with technology. One prominent example of this transformative power is ChatGPT (Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer), a remarkable tool that enables users to input prompts and receive human-like responses in written format.
On the occasion of World Book and Copyright Day, Mr. Isaac Christopher Lubogo, the recipient of the prestigious award for Best Individual Legal Depositor in 2023, stressed the urgency of establishing AI-specific laws to safeguard the intellectual property rights of authors. He emphasized the need to adapt to the future while acknowledging the potential competition that AI might pose.
Lubogo remarked, “Authors must embrace the future, but we face a significant challenge in terms of copyright when it comes to AI. It will serve as a valuable tool, enabling us to write more effectively, achieve our objectives, and work at a faster pace. However, it may also become a crutch for those who wish to avoid the labor of writing.”
Under the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act of 2006, the unauthorized use of copyrighted musical works without the consent of the owner is deemed unlawful. The Uganda Registration Service Bureau (URSB) states that copyright law offers protection to authors, artists, and creators for their literary and artistic creations, collectively referred to as “works.”
These works encompass a wide range of literary and artistic expressions, including novels, poems, plays, songs, and more. Lubogo expressed concern that, in the future, copyright ownership might transition from individuals to AI after a span of 55 years.
“The predicament lies in the fact that copyright law only addresses the individual 55 years after their demise,” he highlighted. He further raised a thought-provoking question in his book, titled ‘The Future Lawyer’: “If a book is generated using ChatGPT, would the ownership belong to an individual or to AI?”
Mr. Adonia Katungisa, Director of the National Library of Uganda, urged the citizens of Uganda to embrace a culture of reading, emphasizing that it is the most effective way to stay informed about current events and developments.
In an era where technology continuously evolves, the call for comprehensive AI legislation by Uganda’s literary community reflects their commitment to protect the interests of authors and navigate the evolving landscape of creativity and intellectual property in the digital age.
Conlcusion:
The call for legislation on Artificial Intelligence (AI) by Ugandan authors signifies a growing recognition of the market implications and challenges associated with AI technology. The demand for AI-specific laws reflects the need to protect the intellectual property rights of authors in an evolving digital landscape.
This development highlights the increasing importance of addressing legal and regulatory frameworks surrounding AI, ensuring a fair and competitive market for creators and innovators in Uganda. Such legislation can foster an environment that encourages the responsible use of AI while safeguarding the interests of authors and promoting a culture of creativity and innovation in the market.
