In a surprising turn of events, a covert attempt by a prominent Washington lawyer, Sy Damle, representing OpenAI in ongoing copyright lawsuits, has been uncovered. Damle orchestrated a letter to Congress signed by various tech groups and academics, urging lawmakers not to implement new copyright regulations on artificial intelligence (AI) systems. Although Damle did not sign the letter himself, data in the publicly available document revealed his involvement in its drafting and circulation.
The letter, sent to all members of the House and Senate on September 11, argued against introducing new copyright laws specifically targeting generative AI. Signatories, including organizations like the American Library Association, Public Knowledge, and the R Street Institute, contended that existing laws were sufficient to handle any legitimate copyright concerns arising from emerging AI technologies.
Critics have raised concerns about the influence exerted by Big Tech companies like OpenAI, with some fearing that Washington’s focus is shifting away from addressing current AI-related issues towards potential threats posed by future AI systems. Damle’s involvement in this covert lobbying effort adds to these concerns, shedding light on the hidden impact of tech giants in shaping policy discussions.
While some signatories confirmed Damle’s involvement, others emphasized their agreement with the letter’s arguments and expressed support for its content. However, Damle’s stance on AI and copyright faces opposition from former officials like Jon Baumgarten, who contested Damle’s claim that generative AI’s use of written works falls under “fair use” within existing copyright law.
This revelation has sparked debates about the extent of Big Tech’s influence in Washington and its implications for AI-related policymaking. As the debate over AI and copyright continues, the covert maneuvering by influential figures underscores the complexities of this evolving landscape.
COMMENTS