April 2023
Statement on AI-Generated Images and Copyright for the Canadian Association of Professional Image Creators (CAPIC)
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has ushered in numerous innovations in the field of image creation. However, as AI-generated images become more prevalent, concerns regarding copyright, authorship, attribution, and the ethical use of this technology have emerged.
CAPIC acknowledges the various perspectives presented by international organizations, associations, and professionals, such as the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA), International Center of Photography (ICP), World Press Photo organization, American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP), and others. As a result, we encourage our members to stay informed about AI’s impact on image creation and copyright, and to consider these points when using AI technologies in their work. While the issue remains largely unresolved, it is evident that existing legal frameworks may not be fully equipped to handle these novel challenges.
We urge our members to adhere to the CAPIC Code of Ethics, ensuring they maintain the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct in their practice. Members should be aware of the potential risks in using copyrighted material as a basis for AI-generated images without permission, as well as the importance of attribution and authorship. Ethical considerations surrounding the authenticity of images, the role of the image creator in the creative process, and the potential misuse of AI-generated “deepfake” images to spread misinformation must also be taken into account.
While AI-generated images may offer creative possibilities and technical enhancements, it is crucial to preserve the integrity and authenticity of the image creation profession. CAPIC supports the idea that human vision, emotion, and creativity remain at the core of image creation, and AI should be utilized as a tool to augment, not replace, the image creator’s work.
As AI technology continues to evolve, CAPIC will closely monitor legal and ethical developments and provide guidance to our members. We encourage open dialogue and collaboration to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by AI-generated images, ensuring that the rights and responsibilities of professional image creators are protected and respected. CAPIC calls for ongoing dialogue, research, and collaboration among stakeholders in the photography, visual media, and legal communities to address the challenges posed by AI-generated images. We encourage our members to stay informed about developments in AI and copyright law to ensure their work is protected and to contribute to the conversation on this critical topic.
Ultimately, it is the responsibility of each CAPIC member to stay informed and make ethical decisions in their work, always prioritizing the values of authenticity, creativity, and professional integrity. We believe that it is the collective responsibility of image creators, technology providers, and policymakers to develop a more flexible legal framework that accommodates the unique nature of AI-generated works, while also safeguarding the rights, creativity, and vision of professional image creators.