How the Copyright Clearance Center thinks about responsible AI

The Copyright Clearance Center (CCC) is pioneering new approaches to manage copyrighted content usage in artificial intelligence systems, addressing a critical challenge at the intersection of publishing and AI technology.

Key initiative: CCC has developed the industry’s first collective licensing solution for AI-related content use, following 18 months of consultation with stakeholders.

• The solution modifies CCC’s existing annual blanket license to incorporate AI reuse rights for internal purposes
• The new licensing framework launched in mid-July 2024, representing a significant step forward in balancing AI innovation with copyright protection
• The license operates globally, particularly benefiting multinational companies requiring worldwide content access

Strategic approach: CCC advocates for a balanced stance that supports both AI advancement and copyright protection through the concept of “responsible AI.”

• Michael Healy, CCC’s executive director of rightsholder and international relations, emphasizes that being pro-AI and pro-copyright are not mutually exclusive
• The organization has conducted extensive consultations with business licensees to understand their use of copyrighted content in generative AI systems
• Publishers have responded positively to the initiative, with hundreds joining the program

Industry engagement: CCC actively facilitates dialogue and education about AI licensing across the publishing sector.

• Healy leads roundtable discussions at major industry events, including the Sharjah International Book Fair
• Publishers’ questions vary significantly based on their size and type, ranging from technical licensing details to broader conceptual inquiries
• Discussions cover topics such as internal use definitions, royalty implications, and the distinction between direct and collective licensing

Market dynamics: The AI industry shows varying levels of commitment to copyright protection and creator compensation.

• Some AI companies readily acknowledge their obligations to content creators and publishers
• Others have taken different approaches, creating challenges for publishers in protecting their intellectual property

Future implications: The success of CCC’s licensing framework could establish a precedent for how the publishing industry adapts to AI technologies, though the long-term effectiveness of this approach remains to be tested as AI capabilities continue to evolve and market dynamics shift.