The COPIED Act: US Senators Introduce Bill to Combat AI-Generated Deepfakes
A bipartisan group of US Senators, led by Senator Maria Cantwell of the Democratic Party, has introduced a new bill aimed at addressing the growing issue of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated deepfakes. The legislative proposal, known as the Content Origin Protection and Integrity from Edited and Deepfaked Media Act (COPIED Act), advocates for a standardized method to watermark AI-created content circulating online.
The COPIED Act emphasizes the importance of guidelines that require AI service providers to allow creators to embed information about the originality of their work in a way that AI tools cannot remove. This measure is intended to enhance transparency around AI-generated media and put creators, including local journalists, artists, and musicians, back in control of their content.
In a statement to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Senator Cantwell highlighted the significance of the bill in protecting creator rights and content integrity. She stated, “The COPIED Act will also put creators back in control of their content with a provenance and watermark process that I think is very much needed.”
While AI innovation has brought about numerous positive outcomes, it can also be harmful when misused. Recent incidents, such as cybercriminals creating fake videos of Elon Musk to deceive viewers into investing in cryptocurrency, highlight the potential dangers of AI-generated deepfakes.
Warren Buffet, a shareholder of Berkshire Hathaway, has expressed concerns about the disruptive potential of AI, likening it to nuclear weapons. He emphasized the need to strike a balance between technological advancements in AI and protecting creator rights and content authenticity.
The COPIED Act aims to establish a framework where AI-generated content is marked and traceable, ensuring authenticity and protection for creators. By implementing measures to combat AI-generated deepfakes, the bill seeks to safeguard against the misuse of AI technology and uphold the integrity of digital content.
