The implications of the second Trump presidency for AI regulation and copyright are becoming increasingly significant.
A series of significant developments regarding artificial intelligence (AI) emerged from Washington DC as the year closed and the political landscape shifts with an administration change.
On December 16, the US Copyright Office announced a delay in the release of parts 2 and 3 of its comprehensive report addressing AI and copyright challenges, which is now scheduled for this year. This decision marks a shift from an initial timeline that had set the release for the end of fiscal year 2024.
The first segment of the report, launched on July 31, centred on the complexities surrounding digital replicas, particularly concerning the realistic replication of individuals’ voices and appearances.
The upcoming parts of the report are key to understanding copyright issues related to generative AI outputs and the legal implications of using copyrighted material to train AI models. “Part 2 will focus on the copyrightability of generative AI outputs and will be released after the New Year holiday,” said Hylarie L. Derman, the Copyright Office director, in her communication to Congress.
Meanwhile, Part 3 is expected to delve into the legality of training AI systems on copyrighted works and is likely to be published in the first quarter of 2025.
The impending transition from the Biden administration to the upcoming Trump administration raises uncertainties, as President-elect Trump is anticipated to repeal many of Biden’s AI directives, potentially jeopardising the completion of these reports.
Furthermore, Trump’s recent appointments signal a shift in the administration’s approach to AI policy. The team comprises experienced individuals from his first administration and notable figures from Silicon Valley. Among the appointments is Michael Kratsios, previously the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) during Trump’s first term, set to lead the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy as its Director. As the Managing Director of an AI company, Kratsios has extensive experience in technology and innovation, which will be instrumental as the administration crafts its AI strategy.
Lynne Parker, who served as deputy CTO and directed the National AI Initiative Office during Trump’s first term, will take on the role of Executive Director of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. Parker has an academic background spanning over 20 years, with a focus on AI and technological advancements.
Sriram Krishnan also joins the team as the Senior Policy Advisor for AI at the Office of Science and Technology Policy, bringing his substantial experience from previous positions at prominent Silicon Valley technology firms. This newly assembled team reflects an anticipated pro-industry stance intending to minimise regulatory constraints on the private sector concerning AI developments.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://natlawreview.com/article/conclusion-copyright-offices-report-artificial-intelligence-delayed-until-2025 – Corroborates the delay in the release of parts 2 and 3 of the US Copyright Office’s report on AI and copyright challenges until 2025.
- https://www.copyright.gov/policy/artificial-intelligence/ – Provides details on the US Copyright Office’s study and report on AI, including the topics to be covered in the forthcoming parts of the report.
- https://www.copyright.gov/policy/artificial-intelligence/ – Confirms the publication of Part 1 of the report on July 31, 2024, and the upcoming focus on generative AI outputs and training AI models on copyrighted works.
- https://www.noahwire.com – Although not directly linked, this is the source of the original article discussing the developments in AI policy and the US Copyright Office’s report.
- https://www.copyright.gov/policy/artificial-intelligence/ – Details the notice of inquiry and comment periods related to the US Copyright Office’s AI study, supporting the timeline mentioned in the article.
- https://natlawreview.com/article/conclusion-copyright-offices-report-artificial-intelligence-delayed-until-2025 – Mentions the communication from the Copyright Office director to Congress regarding the delayed release of the report parts.
- https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/12/23/statement-by-president-joe-biden-on-signing-the-fiscal-year-2025-national-defense-authorization-act/ – Confirms President Biden’s signing of the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and its provisions related to AI in defence agencies.
- https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3432214/president-signs-fy-2025-ndaa-into-law/ – Provides details on the NDAA’s focus on pilot programs for AI adoption in defence initiatives and the lack of comprehensive AI regulations.
- https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/12/23/statement-by-president-joe-biden-on-signing-the-fiscal-year-2025-national-defense-authorization-act/ – Supports the information about President-elect Trump’s anticipated repeal of Biden’s AI directives and its potential impact on AI policy.
- https://www.whitehouse.gov/people/michael-kratsios/ – Confirms Michael Kratsios’s appointment and his background as the Chief Technology Officer during Trump’s first term and his experience in AI and technology.
- https://www.whitehouse.gov/people/lynne-parker/ – Details Lynne Parker’s role and background, including her experience as deputy CTO and director of the National AI Initiative Office during Trump’s first term.
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