Web3 and emerging technologies have revolutionized the way art is distributed, owned, and engaged with by fans. However, the art community has not welcomed all recent developments, particularly when it comes to artificial intelligence (AI).
The introduction of AI-generated art has sparked a heated debate about ownership, following the viral success of a smartphone app that creates AI-generated portraits. This debate mirrors the discussions seen in the film and music industries. Nevertheless, developers in the emerging tech field argue that blockchain technology can offer a solution for artists and AI-generated content.
Cointelegraph interviewed Dan Neely, the CEO of Vermillio, to gain a deeper understanding of how these issues can be addressed in the future. Vermillio is an authenticated AI platform that establishes the lineage of ownership.
According to Neely, authenticated AI introduces a system of automation and verification that is accessible to the public. Instead of relying on multiple third-party sources, anyone can now verify ownership and lineage. This aligns with the growing outrage on social media surrounding AI-generated content. One artist even took to Twitter to criticize the movement against AI-generated art, referring to it as “exploitation.”
Neely argues that art created through generative AI should not be viewed as a threat to original art, but rather as a coexisting form. He suggests that different markets will be created for human-made art and machine-made art. However, the issues of ownership and authenticity still need to be addressed seriously.
Mike Winkelmann, also known as Beeple, is a prominent digital artist who has leveraged emerging technologies to create valuable nonfungible token (NFT) collections. He has also joined the conversation on Twitter, expressing his views against machine-made art.
Neely believes that the creative industries are at a crossroads, facing a choice between tolerating unauthorized third parties using generative AI or embracing new tools such as blockchain. He explains that technologies like AI and blockchain can be used to allow third parties to purchase access to an authorized digital signature of training data controlled by the creator.
Authenticated AI could be a crucial tool in bringing order and fairness to the “Wild West” of generative AI content and the broader Web3 space, according to Neely. Ultimately, the success of Web3 relies on creators driving the future of the internet. Neely emphasizes that authenticating AI and content ownership through blockchain will empower creators to play their part on their own terms.
As AI becomes more prevalent in digital spaces, it is essential to minimize user suspicion surrounding the technology. Some companies are even utilizing AI-based tech to make metaverse design accessible to creators, further highlighting the growing influence of AI in the creative realm.