AI art is theft – on artists, mathematicians impact on AI (twitter.com)

A recent commentary highlights the escalating tensions between the AI/ML community and various cultural elites, particularly artists and mathematicians. The author compares the current anti-AI backlash to a "festering pipe" that has gone unaddressed for too long, leading to deep-seated animosity towards AI technologies. Three years ago, artists raised reasonable concerns about how AI art systems were trained on their work without consent or compensation, a grievance that has now evolved into a widespread anti-AI movement. The consequence of neglecting these issues may risk alienating influential voices, which could hinder the development and acceptance of AI technologies in broader society. The piece warns of a similar situation brewing with mathematicians, who are articulating their dissatisfaction with how AI intersects with mathematical work. With the potential for these discontented groups to unite, the author suggests that if their relatively minor demands go unanswered, the backlash could culminate in significant societal opposition to AI. This mounting discontent could lead to substantial challenges for the AI community, not only in public perception but also in regulatory actions, as cultural elites wield considerable influence over the discourse surrounding technology. Addressing these concerns now is seen as crucial to avoiding a severe backlash that could stifle AI progress.