Publishers’ Licensing Services (PLS), a non-profit industry body representing the publishing industry, has launched an sector-led collective licensing initiative designed to ensure AI’s use of published works is done legally and fairly.
The first stage of the initiative invites publishers to opt-in to a a collective licence scheme that will enable AI companies to legally access and use their works in exchange for a licence fee under specific usage guidelines.
So far, many AI models have been free to use as much writing and works that are available online as they want for training data, forcing the copyright owners of said works to seek alternative solutions.
PLS said its initiative will provide publishers with access to the AI training market whilst preventing the unauthorised use of published works.
“The pace of change is rapid, and publishers must remain active participants in shaping how their content is used,” said PLS chief executive Tom West.
“This first stage is about engagement and collaboration. By opting in, publishers will be part of collective approach that aims to ensure content use in AI models is lawful and fairly remunerated.”
The initiative was launched at the London Book Fair this week.
“The London Book Fair provides an important opportunity for the industry to come together and consider how established collective licensing models can be extended to this new context,” West added.