STOP THE LIES! - A.I. made art DOES NOT STEAL art! - Addressing the evidence

The speaker interrupts the regular University schedule to address the controversy surrounding AI art. They clarify that AI art does not inherently steal or is unethical, despite arguments to the contrary. The speaker has investigated the 'Smoking Gun' evidence and found it incorrect. They argue that AI art is a beneficial tool and if it was unethical, they would stop using it, as they have done with other unethical sponsorships in the past.

The speaker discusses the ethical concerns related to AI art, such as the potential for producing unethical content without consent. They argue that while AI can be used unethically, it's not the tool itself that's the problem, but the user. They also address the argument that AI art is made by training off copyrighted images without consent, stating that AI programs can operate on public domain images and that the technology is evolving rapidly, making it impossible to halt its progression.

The speaker delves into the issue of AI art being trained on copyrighted images. They mention that AI developers have switched to using fewer copyrighted images to appease critics, but this is more about avoiding litigation rather than admitting fault. The speaker argues that the use of copyrighted images isn't inherently illegal or unethical, and that AI art can produce high-quality results even when trained on non-copyrighted images.

The speaker discusses the concept of fair use in relation to AI art. They argue that AI art falls under fair use laws, which allow for the legal copying and transformation of copyrighted images. The speaker emphasizes that AI art doesn't directly duplicate images; instead, it creates new, unique pieces based on the mathematical patterns it learns from the input images.

The speaker talks about the use of public domain images in training AI for art. They argue that there's a high chance that many images online are shared under Creative Commons licenses, which allows for their use in AI art. The speaker also discusses the historical precedent of artists copying each other's work for inspiration and learning, likening this to the way AI art is produced.

The speaker discusses the future of AI art, emphasizing that it's here to stay and will continue to evolve. They argue that AI art will not replace human artists but will create new opportunities and industries. The speaker encourages artists to embrace AI as a tool to enhance their work and produce higher quality art, rather than fearing or opposing it.

The speaker shares personal experiences of using AI art to enhance their own creativity. They discuss how AI has helped them produce better quality art and storytelling for their audience. The speaker argues that AI art requires artistic input and doesn't simply appear with a click, dispelling the idea that AI art is 'cheating' or lacks artistic value.

The speaker emphasizes that the act of creation is what brings satisfaction to artists, not necessarily the medium used. They argue that AI art is just another medium for artists to express their creativity. The speaker also addresses the misconception that AI art is inherently unethical or results in job loss for artists, asserting that those who embrace AI have the potential to outperform others and secure their place in the future of the art industry.

The speaker acknowledges the fear that AI art may replace human artists, but counters this by arguing that technological advancements have historically benefited humanity. They assert that AI art can make art more accessible and affordable, benefiting many. The speaker encourages artists to adapt and use AI as a tool to enhance their work, rather than resist it out of fear.

The speaker shares a personal story of creating an AI-generated image of their wife, highlighting the beauty and satisfaction derived from the process. They explain the amount of work and artistic input required to achieve a high-quality result, refuting the idea that AI art is easy or 'cheating'. The speaker sees AI art as a collaboration between human and machine, resulting in unique and satisfying creations.

The speaker discusses the professional applications of AI art, such as enhancing existing artworks and creating additional content for graphic novels. They argue that AI art can improve the quality of products for customers without additional cost, and can even open up opportunities for artists to save on production costs and create more content.

The speaker addresses common misconceptions about AI art, including the belief that it is inherently unethical or that it steals other artists' work. They argue that these views are based on misinformation and a misunderstanding of how AI works. The speaker calls for a more informed discussion about AI art and its potential benefits, rather than fear-mongering and resistance.

The speaker criticizes those who shame others for using AI art, arguing that this approach is counterproductive and harmful to artists. They believe that shaming and accusations of unethical behavior will only cause people to double down on their use of AI art, preventing open and constructive discussions about its benefits and potential drawbacks.