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<li><button class="explore">Explore CC</button></li> </ul> </nav> </div> <div class="explore-panel">   <nav class="explore-menu"> <ul> <li> <a href="https://network.creativecommons.org/" target="_blank">Global Network</a> <p>Join a global community working to strengthen the Commons</p> </li> <li> <a href="https://certificate.creativecommons.org/" target="_blank">Certificate</a> <p>Become an expert in creating and engaging with openly licensed materials</p> </li> <li> <a href="https://summit.creativecommons.org/" target="_blank">Global Summit</a> <p>Attend our annual event, promoting the power of open licensing</p> </li> <li> <a href="/choose" target="_blank">Chooser</a> <p>Get help choosing the appropriate license for your work</p> </li> <li> <a href="https://search.creativecommons.org/" target="_blank">Search Portal</a> <p>Find engines to search openly licensed material for creative and educational reuse</p> </li> <li> <a href="https://opensource.creativecommons.org/" target="_blank">Open Source</a> <p>Help us build products that maximize creativity and innovation</p> </li> </ul> </nav> </div> </header> <span id="main-content-marker"></span> <main> <header> <h1>Six Insights on Preference Signals for AI Training</h1> <span class="byline">by <a href="https://creativecommons.org/person/rebecca-ross/">Rebecca Ross</a> </span>  <span class="categories"> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/category/about-cc/events/" rel="category tag">Events</a>, <a href="https://creativecommons.org/category/licenses-tools/" rel="category tag">Licenses & Tools</a>, <a href="https://creativecommons.org/category/policy/" rel="category tag">Policy</a>, <a href="https://creativecommons.org/category/technology/" rel="category tag">Technology</a></span>  </header>  <div class="series"> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">In these uncertain times, one thing is clear: there is an urgent need to develop new, nuanced approaches to digital sharing. This is Creative Commons’ speciality and we’re ready to take on this challenge by exploring a possible intervention in the AI space: preference signals. </span></p> </div> <figure id="post-75347 media-75347" class="align-center"><img decoding="async" src="https://creativecommons.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/27096294493_1ccb6d7281_o.jpg" alt="" /><figcaption class="attribution">“<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/49428593@N08/27096294493">Eagle Traffic Signals – 1970s</a>” by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/49428593@N08">RS 1990</a> is licensed via <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/?ref=openverse">CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.</a>.</figcaption></figure> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">At the intersection of rapid advancements in generative AI and our ongoing strategy refresh, we’ve been deeply engaged in researching, analyzing, and fostering conversations about AI and value alignment. Our goal is to ensure that our legal and technical infrastructure remains robust and suitable in this rapidly evolving landscape.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /> </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In these uncertain times, one thing is clear: there is an urgent need to develop new, nuanced approaches to digital sharing. This is Creative Commons’ speciality and we’re ready to take on this challenge by exploring a possible intervention in the AI space: preference signals. </span></p> <h3><b>Understanding Preference Signals</b></h3> <p><a href="https://creativecommons.org/2024/07/24/preferencesignals/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">We’ve previously discussed preference signals</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, but let’s revisit this concept. Preference signals would empower creators to indicate the terms by which their work can or cannot be used for AI training. Preference signals would represent a range of creator preferences, all rooted in the shared values that inspired the Creative Commons (CC) licenses. At the moment, preference signals are not meant to be legally enforceable. Instead, they aim to define a new vocabulary and establish new norms for sharing and reuse in the world of generative AI.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For instance, a preference signal might be “Don’t train,” “Train, but disclose that you trained on my content,” or even “Train, only if using renewable energy sources.”</span></p> <h3><b>Why Do We Need New Tools for Expressing Creator Preferences?</b></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Empowering creators to be able to signal how they wish their content to be used to train generative AI models is crucial for several reasons:</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The use of openly available content within generative AI models may not necessarily be consistent with creators’ intention in openly sharing, especially when that sharing took place before the public launch and proliferation of generative AI. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">With generative AI, unanticipated uses of creator content are happening at scale, by a handful of powerful commercial players concentrated in a very small part of the world.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Copyright is likely not the right framework for defining the rules of this newly formed ecosystem. As the CC licenses exist within the framework of copyright, they are also not the correct tools to prevent or limit uses of content to train generative AI. We also believe that a binary opt-in or opt-out system of contributing content to AI models is not nuanced enough to represent the spectrum of choice a creator may wish to exercise. </span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We’re in the research phase of exploring what a system of preference signals could look like and over the next several months, we’ll be hosting more roundtables and workshops to discuss and get feedback from a range of stakeholders. In June, we took a big step forward by organizing our most focused and dedicated conversation about preference signals in New York City, hosted by the Engelberg Center at NYU.</span></p> <h3><b>Six Highlights from Our NYC Workshop on Preference Signals</b><b></b></h3> <ul> <li aria-level="1"><b>Creative Commons as a Movement</b></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Creative Commons is a global movement, making us uniquely positioned to tackle what sharing means in the context of generative AI. We understand the importance of stewarding the commons and the balance between human creation and public sharing. </span></p> <ul> <li aria-level="1"><b>Defining a New Social Contract</b></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Designing tools for sharing in an AI-driven era involves </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">collectively</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> defining a new social contract for the digital commons. This process is essential for maintaining a healthy and collaborative community. Just as the CC licenses gave options for creators beyond no rights reserved and all rights reserved, preference signals have the potential to define a spectrum of sharing preferences in the context of AI that goes beyond the binary options of opt-in or opt-out. </span></p> <ul> <li aria-level="1"><b>Communicating Values and Consent</b></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Should preference signals communicate individual values and principles such as equity and fairness? Adding content to the commons with a CC license is an act of communicating values; should preference signals do the same? Workshop participants emphasized the need for mechanisms that support informed consent by both the creator and user.</span></p> <ul> <li aria-level="1"><b>Supporting Creators and Strengthening the Commons</b></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The most obvious and prevalent use case for preference signals is to limit use of content within generative AI models to protect artists and creators. There is also the paradox that users may want to benefit from more relaxed creator preferences than they are willing to grant to other users when it comes to their content. We believe that preference signals that meet the sector-specific needs of creators and users, as well as social and community-driven norms that continue to strengthen the commons, are not mutually exclusive. </span><b></b></p> <ul> <li aria-level="1"><b>Tagging AI-Generated vs. Human-Created Content</b></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While tags for AI-generated content are becoming common, what about tags for human-created content? The general goal of preference signals should be to foster the commons and encourage more human creativity and sharing. For many, discussions about AI are inherently discussions about labor issues and a risk of exploitation. At this time, the law has no concept of “lovingly human”, since humanness has been taken for granted until now. Is “lovingly human” the new “non-commercial”? Generative AI models also force us to consider what it means to be a creator, especially as most digital creative tools will soon be driven by AI. Is there a specific set of activities that need to be protected in the process of creating and sharing? How do we address human and generative AI collaboration inputs and outputs? </span></p> <ul> <li aria-level="1"><b>Prioritizing AI for the Public Good</b></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We must ensure that AI benefits everyone. Increased public investment and participatory governance of AI are vital. Large commercial entities should provide a public benefit in exchange for using creator content for training purposes. We cannot rely on commercial players to set forth industry norms that influence the future of the open commons. </span></p> <h3><b>Next Steps</b></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Moving forward, our success will depend on expanded and representative community consultations. Over the coming months, we will:</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Continue to convene our community members globally to gather input in this rapidly developing area;</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Continue to consult with legal and technical experts to consider feasible approaches;</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Actively engage with the interconnected initiatives of other civil society organizations whose priorities are aligned with ours;</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Define the use cases for which a preference signals framework would be most effective;</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Prototype openly and transparently, seeking feedback and input along the way to shape what the framework could look like;</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Build and strengthen the partnerships best suited to help us carry this work forward.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">These high-level steps are just the beginning. Our hope is to be piloting a framework within the next year. Watch this space as we explore and share more details and plans. We’re grateful to </span><a href="https://www.mofo.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Morrison Foerster</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> for providing support for the workshop in New York.</span></p> <p><strong>Join us by supporting this ongoing work</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You have the power to make a difference in a way that suits you best. By donating to CC, you are not only helping us continue our vital work, but you also benefit from tax-deductible contributions. <a href="https://www.classy.org/give/313412/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=blog8.4.2024">Making your gift is simple – just click here</a>. Thank you for your support.</span></p>  <span class="pub-date">Posted 23 August 2024</span> <article class="tags"> <h2>Tags</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://creativecommons.org/tag/ai/">AI</a></li> <li><a href="https://creativecommons.org/tag/ai-the-commons/">AI & the Commons</a></li> <li><a href="https://creativecommons.org/tag/ai-in-public-interest/">AI in Public Interest</a></li> </ul> </article> <article class="related-posts"> <h2>Related posts</h2> <article class="authored-posts highlight"> <article> <header> <h2><a href="https://creativecommons.org/2024/11/18/open-movements-commons-causes/">Open Movement’s Common(s) Causes</a></h2> <span class="byline">by <a href="https://creativecommons.org/person/cc/">Creative Commons</a> </span> <span class="categories"> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/category/community/" rel="category tag">Community</a>, <a href="https://creativecommons.org/category/about-cc/events/" rel="category tag">Events</a> </span> </header> </article> <article> <header> <h2><a href="https://creativecommons.org/2024/11/13/meet-the-recipients-of-the-fall-2024-cc-certificate-scholarship/">Meet the Recipients of the Fall 2024 CC Certificate Scholarship</a></h2> <span class="byline">by <a href="https://creativecommons.org/person/shannacreativecommons-org/">Shanna Hollich</a> </span> <span class="categories"> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/category/cc-certificate/" rel="category tag">CC Certificate</a>, <a href="https://creativecommons.org/category/licenses-tools/" rel="category tag">Licenses & Tools</a> </span> </header> </article> <article> <header> <h2><a href="https://creativecommons.org/2024/10/08/cc-legal-tools-recognized-as-digital-public-goods/">CC Legal Tools Recognized as Digital Public Goods</a></h2> <span class="byline">by <a href="https://creativecommons.org/person/cable-green/">Cable Green</a>, <a href="https://creativecommons.org/person/cc/">Creative Commons</a> </span> <span class="categories"> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/category/about-cc/" rel="category tag">About CC</a>, <a href="https://creativecommons.org/category/licenses-tools/" rel="category tag">Licenses & Tools</a>, <a href="https://creativecommons.org/category/about-cc/sustaining-the-commons/" rel="category tag">Sustaining the Commons</a> </span> </header> </article> <article> <header> <h2><a href="https://creativecommons.org/2024/08/08/cc-certificate-alumni-making-a-global-impact/">CC Certificate Alumni Making a Global Impact</a></h2> <span class="byline">by <a href="https://creativecommons.org/person/shannacreativecommons-org/">Shanna Hollich</a> </span> <span class="categories"> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/category/cc-certificate/" rel="category tag">CC Certificate</a>, <a href="https://creativecommons.org/category/open-knowledge/open-education/" rel="category tag">Open Education</a>, <a href="https://creativecommons.org/category/policy/" rel="category tag">Policy</a> </span> </header> </article> </article> </article> </main> <footer> <a class="identity-logo" href="/">Creative Commons</a> <nav class="footer-menu"> <ul> <li><a href="/about/contact">Contact</a></li> <li><a href="https://mail.creativecommons.org/subscribe" target="_blank">Newsletter</a></li> <li><a href="/privacy">Privacy</a></li> <li><a href="/policies">Policies</a></li> <li><a href="/terms">Terms</a></li> </ul> </nav> <div class="contact">  <h2>Contact Us</h2> <p>Creative Commons </br> PO Box 1866, Mountain View, CA 94042</p> <p><a href="mailto:info@creativecommons.org">info@creativecommons.org</a></p> <nav class="social-menu"> <ul>  <li><a class="icon-replace fa-bluesky" href="https://bsky.app/profile/creativecommons.bsky.social" target="_blank">Bluesky</a></li> <li><a class="icon-replace fa-mastodon" href="https://mastodon.social/@creativecommons" target="_blank" rel="me">Mastodon</a></li> <li><a class="icon-replace fa-facebook" href="https://www.facebook.com/creativecommons" target="_blank">Facebook</a></li> <li><a class="icon-replace fa-linkedin" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/creative-commons/" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a></li> </ul> </nav> </div> <div class="subscribe"> <h2>Subscribe to our Newsletter</h2> <form action="https://creativecommons.us4.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=fd30364b6577b471373d6076c&id=4603fe102a" method="post" id="mc-embedded-subscribe-form" name="mc-embedded-subscribe-form" class="validate newsletter" target="_blank" novalidate=""> <input type="email" value="" name="EMAIL" class="email input" id="mce-EMAIL" placeholder="Your email" required="">  <div style="position: absolute; left: -5000px" aria-hidden="true"> <input type="text" name="b_fd30364b6577b471373d6076c_4603fe102a" tabindex="-1" value=""> </div> <input type="submit" value="subscribe" id="mc-embedded-subscribe" class="button small"> </form> </div> <div class="donate"> <h2>Support Our Work</h2> <p>Our work relies on you! 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