The U.S. Copyright Office has released the first part of a report on the impact of artificial intelligence on its field, highlighting the urgent need for new laws to define and combat AI-driven impersonation.  

Copyright, Patents

Director of the agency, Shira Perlmutter, stated that the distribution of unauthorized digital replicas poses a serious threat to the entertainment industry, politics, and ordinary citizens, necessitating national protection to prevent damage to reputation and livelihood. Creating personal digital replicas used to be time-consuming and laborious, mostly limited to political figures and celebrities. However, with just a few videos and social media posts, almost anyone can now create a virtual version easily and cheaply.  

After initiating an investigation and soliciting public opinions, the Copyright Office found that even within the field of intellectual property, the potential harm was evident, leading to the release of this part of the report first. After analyzing the received opinions, they concluded that new laws were needed, as AI-created digital replicas are fast, accurate, and scalable, requiring immediate federal action.  The need for new laws in this area is not a new perspective; Congress is already working on it.

The Copyright Office's recommendations add important details to the amendments of relevant bills, such as liability arising from the distribution or provision of unauthorized replicas, not limited to commercial use, and protection lasting at least a lifetime. The Copyright Office's views stem from its focus and expertise, and new "digital replica" laws should draw on existing effective legislation.

 Key Points: 

🎯 The Copyright Office calls for immediate new laws to combat AI-driven impersonation.  

🎯 Creating personal virtual versions is now easy and cheap, opening new avenues for abuse.

 🎯 The Copyright Office suggests adding details to the amendments of relevant bills, and new laws should借鉴 existing legislation.