The web has always been a platform for creators to publish and share their content. It has given rise to various careers, including blogging and influencer videos. However, the landscape of content ownership is changing, with large companies and artificial intelligence (AI) playing a significant role.
Recently, Adobe’s revised Terms of Use sparked concerns among users. The language in the agreement seemed to suggest that Adobe could use users’ content for its own profit. However, Adobe clarified that the changes were related to allowing their AI tools to modify content at the user’s request and facilitate file sharing via Adobe apps.
AI’s relentless pace is also causing discomfort among creators. AI tools are scraping websites to feed their models, and opting out is not straightforward. Unlike social media, where creators can promote their content on platforms they control, AI platforms are indexing published content to improve their products.
The long-term ramifications of this trend could be significant. Companies may choose AI over human professionals for tasks like copywriting, coding, and graphic design. This shift is already happening, raising concerns that AI may replace human creators.
Creators need to rethink the role of apps in content creation. It is no longer just about using the most powerful tool but also about using tools that respect users’ rights. App developers should be clear about their intentions and allow users to opt out if their content is being used for AI models.
There is a market for apps with a privacy-first focus, as seen with web browsers like Firefox and DuckDuckGo. Creative apps and publishing platforms should follow this roadmap and prioritize user privacy and content ownership.
Publishing online has always carried some risks, such as content theft or unauthorized redistribution. However, the concern now lies in how and where content is created. Creators need to understand their rights and the implications of the Terms of Service before using a tool or platform.
The situation highlights the importance of free, open-source software (FOSS) like WordPress, which ensures content ownership and portability. Doing thorough research and choosing tools that respect privacy and ownership rights is crucial for creators.
While the industry may be beyond creators’ control, making informed choices about the tools and platforms they use is currently the best option available.
