In a survey conducted by the Society of Authors (SoA) throughout January 2024, findings reveal significant anxiety among creative professionals about the escalating use of generative AI within their fields. With nearly 800 responses collected from its 12,500 members, the survey uncovers that a substantial number of translators and illustrators are already facing job losses and income reductions due to the introduction of artificial intelligence.
Widespread adoption and concerns
The data indicates that 22% of respondents have incorporated generative AI into their creative processes. Among them, 12% are illustrators and a notable 37% are translators. With 31% of illustrators and writers using AI to brainstorm ideas, it reveals a trend towards integrating these technologies in creative thought processes.
Read: Society of Authors launches generative AI survey
However, this adoption comes with considerable cost. About 26% of illustrators and 36% of translators reported losing work due to AI. Alarmingly, income devaluation is a concern for 37% of illustrators and 43% of translators. The survey also highlights a pervasive worry about future earnings, with over three-quarters of translators and illustrators fearing negative impacts on their income.
The need for ethical use and regulation
“No one expects generative AI to be un-invented, and we all know its potential to be a powerful and useful tool. But it is not too late to ensure that it is developed and used ethically, and within existing copyright frameworks.”
Nicola Solomon, Society of Authors CEO
Nicola Solomon, chair of the Creators’ Rights Alliance and outgoing SoA chief executive, expresses deep concern over the rapid adoption of generative AI, “Two years ago, these were niche systems but they have quickly become global, mass-market products. We raised concerns then about the possible future impact on creative careers. Today, that impact is already felt acutely by more and more creators – from translators and illustrators to journalists and educational writers.”
Find out how to vote at Society of Authors’ Extraordinary Meeting
The findings also reflect a nearly unanimous demand for regulation. An overwhelming 95% of the survey’s participants advocate for government intervention to enforce transparency, consent, and fair compensation practices concerning AI-generated content. Solomon adds, “No one expects generative AI to be un-invented, and we all know its potential to be a powerful and useful tool. But it is not too late to ensure that it is developed and used ethically, and within existing copyright frameworks.”
The SoA’s call to action in EGM
In response to these findings, the SoA reiterated the urgent need for action to protect the rights and livelihoods of creators. They call on AI developers to commit to ethical practices and engage with rightsholders on issues of consent and remuneration. The upcoming SoA EGM on May 2, 2024, serves as an important opportunity for members to voice their stance against the use of their works in developing AI systems without proper agreements.
The Society of Authors survey sends a clear message: while AI can be a tool for enhancement, it should not become a substitute for human talent and effort.
[…] The deal is international, “so it will be rolled out across different markets,” a HarperCollins spokesperson told Publishing Perspectives, “including the UK.” HarperCollins adds, “The agreement will lead to the production of audio versions of select deep-backlist series books that would not otherwise have been created.” However, the Society of Authors recently revealed that a third of translators were losing work to generative AI. […]
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