A bipartisan group of US Senators, led by Democratic Senator Maria Cantwell, has introduced the Content Origin Protection and Integrity from Edited and Deepfaked Media Act (COPIED Act) to combat the rising threat of AI-generated deepfakes and unauthorized content copying.
The legislation proposes the implementation of watermarking technology as a safeguard for original content, ensuring creators can embed unique identifiers that AI tools cannot manipulate. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and authenticity in online content, allowing creators across various sectors to maintain control over their intellectual property.
Senator Cantwell underscored the significance of the COPIED Act during a Senate Committee on Commerce, Transportation, and Science session on July 11, emphasizing its importance for artists, journalists, musicians, and other creators who face increasing challenges from AI-based content manipulation.
The bill responds to recent legal disputes, including The New York Times’ lawsuit against OpenAI for alleged copyright infringements related to data scraping activities. These concerns have prompted major tech firms like Microsoft to distance themselves from OpenAI, highlighting broader industry apprehensions about privacy and data integrity in AI applications.
Content Origin Protection and Integrity from Edited and Deepfaked Media Act (COPIED Act)
Meanwhile, as the US deliberates legislative measures, China emerges as a frontrunner in AI adoption. A recent survey by SAS and Coleman Parkes Research indicates that China leads global investment and implementation of generative AI technologies.
The survey, based on responses from 1,600 decision-makers worldwide, reveals that 83% of Chinese respondents integrate generative AI into their operations, surpassing adoption rates in the UK (70%) and the US (65%).
This technology is increasingly pivotal across industries such as insurance, retail, banking, telecommunications, healthcare, manufacturing, and energy, supporting efficiency, innovation, and competitive advantage in a digital economy.
The contrasting developments in the US legislative landscape and China’s AI strategy underscore a global dynamic where technological advancement intersects with regulatory challenges and economic competition. The COPIED Act represents a proactive effort by US lawmakers to address ethical concerns and protect intellectual property rights amid the rapid evolution of AI technologies worldwide.
As debates intensify around AI’s transformative potential and its ethical implications, legislative measures like the COPIED Act aim to establish frameworks that balance innovation with accountability, ensuring the responsible deployment of AI technologies for societal benefit.
