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AI Turning First Nations Art Into 'Temu Slop'
1 Nov
Summary
- AI technology is undermining First Nations artists' agency and work authenticity.
- Cultural knowledge and sacred information are at risk from AI training.
- A Copyright Plus framework is proposed to give artists more control.
Sally Scales, chair of the National Gallery of Australia's First Nations advisory group, has voiced strong criticism, stating that AI is turning First Nations art into "Temu slop." She asserts that this technology undermines artists' agency and the authenticity of their creations, amounting to a theft of cultural knowledge. Concerns are particularly heightened regarding Indigenous cultural and intellectual property (ICIP), as AI systems can aggregate online content, including artworks containing sacred and cultural information, without proper compensation or attribution.
Experts and art bodies highlight the significant risks. AI has been trained on works by well-known Australian artists without their consent, and even more complex issues arise with Indigenous cultural materials. The peak body for Australian visual artists noted that AI altering work and removing names causes "cultural and economic harm." Proposals like the 'Copyright Plus' framework are emerging, suggesting AI companies disclose data sources and artists gain the right to refuse AI scraping or mimicry. Additionally, a levy on AI companies could fund creative professionals and establish a cultural fund, alongside mechanisms for takedown notices for fake content.
