Scarlett Johansson, Cate Blanchett, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt have joined more than 700 others in supporting a new anti-AI campaign called Stealing Isn’t Innovation. The Human Artistry Campaign, a collective of creators, unions, and industry groups, launched this initiative to oppose the use of human-created content by artificial intelligence without permission or proper licensing. This growing movement defends the rights of creative professionals in the digital age.
The Campaign’s Core Message and Demands
The campaign asserts that the creative community in America is a vital economic force, responsible for generating jobs and fostering cultural exports worldwide. However, it warns that some major technology companies, often funded by private equity, exploit creators’ work unlawfully to train AI systems. The campaign emphasizes that:
America’s creative community is the envy of the world and creates jobs, economic growth and exports,
the campaign’s statement noted.
But rather than respect and protect this valuable asset, some of the biggest tech companies, many backed by private equity and other funders, are using American creators’ work to build AI platforms without authorization or regard for copyright law.
They continue:
Artists, writers and creators of all kinds are banding together with a simple message: Stealing our work is not innovation. It’s not progress. It’s theft – plain and simple.
Calls for Ethical AI Practices and Licensing Agreements
The Human Artistry Campaign urges AI companies to seek licensing agreements and partnerships to lawfully access creative content. The organization acknowledges that:
some AI companies have taken the responsible, ethical route to obtaining the content and materials they wish to use.
They highlight the possibility of balancing advancements in AI with respect for artists’ rights, stating,
it is possible to have it all,
and emphasizing,
We can have advanced, rapidly developing AI and ensure creators’ rights are respected.
Notable Supporters Backing the Movement
Alongside Johansson, Cate Blanchett, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, several influential musicians and performers have signed the campaign letter, including Bonnie Raitt, Chaka Khan, Common, Cyndi Lauper, Questlove, R.E.M., Vince Gilligan, and One Republic. Their alliance brings significant attention to the issue of AI’s uncontrolled use of creative works.
Previous Comments by Johansson and Gordon-Levitt on AI Concerns
Both Johansson and Gordon-Levitt have previously voiced reservations about artificial intelligence. In October, Gordon-Levitt urged caution in developing AI super-intelligence until safety measures are established. He questioned the rationale behind building AI surpassing human intelligence, stating in an X video:
Why would you want to build an AI that’s smarter than humans?
Gordon-Levitt asked.
You could say AI is going to cure diseases or AI is going to help strengthen our national security, and, yeah, I want those things, too. But why couldn’t we just build an AI tool to help cure diseases or build an AI tool to help with national security? Why does it have to all be one big product that does everything?
Earlier, in February, Johansson condemned the unauthorized use of AI-generated videos featuring her likeness. She urged lawmakers to prioritize regulating AI, calling it a bipartisan matter with profound implications:
I urge the U.S. government to make the passing of legislation limiting AI use a top priority,
Johansson stated.
It is a bipartisan issue that enormously affects the immediate future of humanity at large.
Implications for the Creative Industry and Next Steps
This campaign highlights growing frustration and tension between creators and AI developers over intellectual property rights. By rallying hundreds of supporters, the Human Artistry Campaign aims to pressure legislators and tech companies to respect copyright law and establish ethical standards for AI development. Moving forward, negotiations around licensing and AI regulation are likely to become central issues within technology and creative sectors alike, as the debate over AI’s impact on humanity and innovation intensifies.
