Wendell Pierce, Rosario Dawson Among Thousands Calling For AI Regulation To Protect Creatives

Thousands of creatives, including figures like author Malorie Blackman, a British author who is famous for her award winning Noughts & Crosses series, actresses Rosario Dawson and Liza Colón-Zayas and Suits actor, Wendell Pierce have united to oppose the use of their artistic works for training AI systems without permission. 

The statement, signed by over 11,500 artists, musicians, authors, and actors, calls for stronger protections against the unauthorized use of copyrighted content by AI developers. 

Signatories also include major record labels—Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, and Warner Music Group—along with a wide array of international creative organizations.

Global Outcry from Creators and Rights Holders

The statement, released on October 22, emphasizes the threat that AI poses to creators’ livelihoods. 

“The unlicensed use of creative works for training generative AI is a major, unjust threat to the livelihoods of the people behind those works, and must not be permitted,” reads the collective stance posted at aitrainingstatement.org. 

This campaign, organized by British composer Ed Newton-Rex, garnered support from trade groups representing record labels, publishers, and creators from across the globe, including the US, UK, France, and Mexico.

Prominent signatories include literary giants like Blackman and James Patterson, along with musicians like Thom Yorke of Radiohead, and actors such as Kevin Bacon and Sean Astin.

Legal Battles and Policy Discussions

The statement comes amid increasing legal and regulatory scrutiny over how generative AI companies use copyrighted material. 

Earlier this year, major record labels filed lawsuits against AI music firms like Suno, accusing them of mass copyright infringement.

 In the UK, the government is preparing to consult on AI regulation, including potential schemes that would allow AI companies to scrape copyrighted content unless creators opt out—a move heavily opposed by rights holders.

Feature Image Credit: Jordan Strauss / Invision / AP