Recently, a report from the Australian Senate Special Committee's investigation revealed that tech companies Amazon, Google, and Meta (formerly Facebook) have shown a vague and disappointing attitude towards using Australian data to train their AI products.
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The chair of the investigation, Labor Senator Tony Sheldon, expressed strong dissatisfaction, stating that these multinational companies continuously avoided direct questions during the hearings, as if they were performing a cheap magic trick, ultimately achieving nothing.
After the report was released, Sheldon stated that these tech companies act like "pirates," plundering Australia’s culture, data, and creativity, leaving Australians empty-handed. He pointed out that Amazon refused to disclose how it uses data collected from Alexa, Kindle, and Audible devices to train AI, while Google similarly failed to explain how it utilizes user data to develop AI products. Although Meta admitted to extracting data from Australian Facebook and Instagram users for future AI models since 2007, it could not clarify how users agreed to the use of their data for purposes that did not exist at that time.
The report also emphasizes that creative workers face significant risks to their livelihoods due to the impact of AI. It suggests establishing a payment mechanism to compensate when AI-generated works are based on the original materials of creative workers. Furthermore, companies developing AI models need to provide transparent information about the sources of copyrighted works used in their datasets, ensuring that all declared works are licensed and compensated accordingly.
One of the 13 recommendations in the report calls for the introduction of independent AI legislation, particularly targeting AI models deemed "high-risk." AI applications involving human rights should be considered high-risk and require consultation, collaboration, and representation before implementation.
However, two senators from the Coalition in the committee argued that the threats posed by AI to Australia’s cybersecurity, national security, and democratic institutions far outweigh its impact on the creative economy. They believe mechanisms should be established to protect the potential opportunities brought by AI rather than suppressing them.
This report has sparked further discussions across various sectors regarding Australia’s AI regulatory policies, with many calling for alignment with regulatory measures in regions such as the UK, Europe, and California to address the challenges posed by the rapid development of AI technology.
Key Points:
🌐 ** Tech Giants Accused of Plundering Australian Culture and Data **: The investigation report criticizes Amazon, Google, and Meta for their vague stance on data usage.
🎨 ** Creative Workers Face High Risks **: The report highlights the threat of AI to the creative industry and suggests establishing a compensation mechanism.
📜 ** Call for Independent AI Legislation **: The report proposes the need for independent legislation targeting high-risk AI to protect human rights and the rights of creative workers.
