The Trump administrations effort toslash the size of the federal workforcereached theFood and Drug Administrationthis weekend, as recently hired employees who review the safety of food ingredients, medical devices, and other products were fired.Probationary employeesacross the FDA received notices Saturday evening that their jobs were being eliminated, according to three FDA staffers who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.The total number of positions eliminated was not clear Sunday, but the firings appeared to focus on employees in the agencys centers for food, medical devices, and tobacco productswhich includes oversight of electronic cigarettes. It was not clear whether FDA employees who review drugs were exempted.On Friday, some officials expected theU.S. Department of Health and Human Servicesto fire 5,200 probationary employees across its agencies, according to an audio recording of a National Institutes of Health department meeting. HHS oversees NIH, FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, among other things.People who spoke with the AP on condition of anonymity on Friday said the number of probationary employees to be laid off at the CDC would total nearly 1,300. But as of early Sunday afternoon, about 700 people had received notices, according to three people who spoke on condition on anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. They said none of the CDC layoffs affected the young doctors and researchers who track diseases in whats known as the Epidemic Intelligence Service.The FDA is headquartered in the Maryland suburbs outside Washington and employs nearly 20,000 people. Its long been a target ofnewly sworn-in health secretary Robert Kennedy Jr., who last year accused the agency of waging a war on public health for not approving unproven treatments such as psychedelics, stem cells and chelation therapy.Kennedy also has called for eliminating thousands of chemicals and colorings from U.S. foods. But the cuts at FDA include staffers responsible for reviewing the safety of new food additives and ingredients, according to an FDA staffer familiar with the firings.An HHS spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment Sunday afternoon.Nearly half of the FDAs $6.9 billion budget comes from fees paid by companies the agency regulates, including drug and medical device makers, which allows the agency to hire extra scientists to swiftly review products. Eliminating those positions will not reduce government spending.A former FDA official said cutting recent hires could backfire, eliminating staffers who tend to be younger and have more up-to-date technical skills. The FDAs workforce skews toward older workers who have spent one or two decades at the agency, and the Government Accountability Office noted in 2022 that the FDA has historically faced challenges in recruiting and retaining staff due to better money in the private sector.You want to bring in new blood, said Peter Pitts, a former FDA associate commissioner under President George W. Bush. You want people with new ideas, greater enthusiasm and the latest thinking in terms of technology.Mitch Zeller, former FDA director for tobacco, said the firings are a way to demoralize and undermine the spirit of the federal workforce.The combined effect of what theyre trying to do is going to destroy the ability to recruit and retain talent, Zeller said.The FDAs inspection force has been particularly strained in recent years after a wave of departures during the COVID-19 pandemic, and many of the agencys current inspectors are recent hires. It was not immediately clear whether those employees were exempted.FDA inspectors are responsible for overseeing thousands of food, drug, tobacco and medical device facilities worldwide, though the APreported last year that the agency faced a backlog of roughly 2,000 uninspected drug facilitiesthat hadnt been visited since before the pandemic.The agencys inspection force have also been criticized for not moving faster to catch recent problems involving infant formula, baby food and eyedrops.By Matthew Perrone, AP Health Writer. AP Medical Writer Mike Stobbe contributed to this report.___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Kias EV4 is making waves in the $30,000$40,000 electric vehicle segment by blending innovative design, sustainable materials, and cutting-edge electric technology. Revealed ahead of its official debut at Kias 2025 EV Day, both the sedan and hatchback variants capture the brands Opposites United philosophy, merging performance with practicality and eco-conscious engineering to challenge competitors like Teslas Model 3.Designer: KiaThe EV4s launch marks a pivotal moment for Kia as it redefines what drivers can expect from a budget-friendly yet technologically advanced EV. By focusing on harmonizing striking aesthetics and sustainable innovation, Kia has created a vehicle that stands apart in a crowded market.Innovative Exterior and Design PhilosophyThe exterior design of the EV4 exemplifies a refined balance of contrast. The sedan version adopts a bold long-tail silhouette inspired by classic sports cars, featuring a low-slung nose, an elongated rear overhang, and a distinctive two-piece roof spoiler that minimizes aerodynamic drag. Its front fasciawith vertical LED headlights, a blacked-out grille panel, and the signature Star Map lightingreinforces Kias evolving Tiger Face identity, while sharp character lines and 19-inch triangular-motif wheels exude motion even when the car is at rest.In contrast, the hatchback variant offers a versatile profile without sacrificing style. Its steeply raked rear window, integrated rooftop spoiler, and vertical LED taillights create a modern, urban appeal enhanced by geometric patterns on the lower body panels. Black C-pillars produce a striking floating roof effect and shared wing-shaped bumpers on the GT-Line trimaccented by aggressive front intakes and gloss-black detailsensure that both models communicate a unified design language. This Opposites United approach, championed by designer Karim Habib, blends technical precision with organic curves to establish the EV4 as a new typology in the compact EV market.Sustainable Interior and Driver-Centric TechnologyInside, the EV4 continues its innovative streak by merging futuristic technology with eco-friendly materials. The cabin centers on a panoramic 12.3-inch widescreen display that integrates the digital cluster and infotainment system, flanked by a 5.3-inch climate control touchpad. Kias ccNC (connected car Navigation Cockpit) software enhances the driving experience with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and even ChatGPT-powered voice commands, ensuring that drivers remain connected in an intuitive manner.Sustainability is woven into the very fabric of interior design. Kia has partnered with Swiss firm Bcomp to integrate ampliTexa flax-based compositeinto key areas such as seat backs, console tables, and door panels. This advancement reduces component weight by 40% compared to conventional plastics while cutting CO emissions by 85%. Additionally, the use of 3D-knit covers crafted from recycled PET yarn eliminates fabric waste, and natural dyes from madder roots and walnut shells lend the recycled cotton upholstery an earthy palette. Complementing these sustainable features, the introduction of Mind Modes allows drivers to customize ambient lighting, ventilation, and interface graphics, offering a tailored experience that can shift from high-energy Perform to calming Serenity.Performance, Charging, and Market PositioningThe EV4 is built on Hyundais 400V E-GMP platform, which supports both single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive configurations. Early estimates indicate that the base model produces 201 hp (150 kW) and accelerates from 060 mph in 6.9 seconds, while the dual-motor variant offers 282 hp (210 kW) with a 5.8-second sprint. The GT-Line trim may further enhance the driving dynamics with a performance-tuned suspension and a brake-by-wire system, ensuring that the EV4 delivers both efficiency and excitement.Battery and charging capabilities further underscore the EV4s appeal. Buyers can choose between a 58.3 kWh batteryoffering roughly 250 miles (EPA) or 300 miles (WLTP)or an 81.4 kWh option that extends the range to approximately 310 miles (EPA) or 375 miles (WLTP). The 400V architecture supports a 150 kW DC fast charging system, which can charge the battery from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes, while an 11 kW AC charger is available for overnight charging. Priced between $35,000 and $45,000, the EV4 is positioned to undercut the Tesla Model 3, making it an attractive option for European buyers who favor the hatchbacks versatility and U.S. drivers drawn to the sedans sporty design. Kias use of a modular production platform further drives cost efficiency, an essential factor in the competitive budget EV market.Conclusion: Redefining the Affordable Electric VehicleKias EV4 is a bold statement in design, sustainability, and performance. By integrating customizable Mind Modes that enhance driver engagement, utilizing bio-sourced materials to reduce environmental impact, and delivering specifications that rival higher-priced competitorsall at a 15% lower price pointKia sets a new benchmark for affordable EVs.With its official launch set for February 24, the EV4 is poised to redefine expectations for sub-$40,000 electric vehicles on a global scale. This comprehensive approach not only challenges established players in the market but also paves the way for a future where advanced technology and sustainability go hand in hand.The post Kia EV4 Design and Technology: An Affordable Path to the Future of Electric Driving first appeared on Yanko Design.

Folding knives were first invented for compactness and safety this one adds variety to the mix too. Meet the 2 Blade Wharncliffe Trapper a folding knife that houses not one, but two blades. Open the one you need, use it, and fold it right back in once youre done. Aside from the minor advantages that each blades individual shape provides, the only overarching benefit of such a knife is that its ridiculously cool and if I werent typing this article right now, Id be throwing money at my screen.Trapper knives were arguably the first multitools, designed for fur trappers and hunters who needed a versatile, reliable tool for processing game in the field. Traditionally featuring two bladesa clip point and a spey bladethese knives were perfect for skinning, slicing, and general utility work. The clip-point blade offered precision for detailed cutting, while the spey blade, with its rounded tip, was ideal for skinning animals without puncturing hides. Forgesmith Jason Leclair decided to turn this age-old utility knife into a sheer work of art, blending Damascus and CuMai into what can only be described as the most beautiful pair of marbled hand-forged blades my eyes have ever seen.Designer: Jason LeclairImagine painting the Mona Lisa twice thats how I like describing the sheer amount of artistry in Leclairs knifemaking skills. The trapper boasts two blades, made from Damascus core CuMai steel. The inner Damascus layer is visible on the blades edge, with its gorgeous marbling pattern, but the higher you go, you see the CuMai sandwiched in the middle. The Cu or Copper makes itself visible like a lightning streak running across from bolster to tip. The shape of the copper strip as well as the Damascus steel is unique to each blade of each knife, which means theres absolutely no way two knives look the same every knife is unique like a fingerprint.Most trappers come with clip-point and spey-style blades, but Leclair switched things up by ditching the spey for a Wharncliffe or sheepsfoot-style blade. It definitely adds a bit of character to the knife, giving the edge an upward flair that really makes for a great silhouette. While it isnt ideal for fur-trapping, Id be mighty pissed if you used something as gorgeous as this to skin rabbits. Its like using the Mona Lisa for a shower curtain. The 2 Blade Wharncliffe Trapper is nothing short of a collectors item, although I wouldnt be opposed to occasionally using it to maybe cut cigars or open letters, you know?The handle is arguably as gorgeous as the blades it ouses. Made from WWII vintage rag micarta, it carries the weight of time while offering durability that rivals modern synthetics. Micarta, a composite material made from layers of fabric and resin, has long been prized for its toughness, and this particular batch holds a nostalgic charm. Decades-old yet perfectly functional, it provides a grippy, comfortable surface, ensuring the knife feels just as good in hand as it looks. The bolsters, crafted from tri-color Mokume Gane, add another layer of detail. Mokume Gane, a Japanese metalworking technique that fuses different metals together in a swirling, woodgrain-like pattern, gives each bolster a unique visual identity. No two will ever look the same. Accenting the handle is a flying squirrel pattern shield, a small but deliberate detail that reinforces the knifes individuality.Titanium liners ensure strength while keeping the weight manageable, an intentional upgrade over heavier stainless steel alternatives. The combination of materialshigh-carbon steel springs, Mokume Gane bolsters, copper accents, and vintage micartacreates an interplay of textures and colors that make the knife feel almost alive. Every material choice serves a purpose, whether functional, aesthetic, or both.While many knives lean into either artistry or utility, this one balances both effortlessly. It embraces the traditional trapper knife design, but rather than stopping at nostalgia, it evolves the concept with high-end materials and meticulous craftsmanship. A tool, a collectors piece, and an example of expert knife-making, this dual-blade slipjoint reflects Leclairs sheer patience and skill. The knife is up for sale and Leclairs accepting bookings on his Instagram if youre interested.The post This Dual-Blade Folding Knife With Damascus CuMai Steel is So Stunning, You Wont Want to Use It first appeared on Yanko Design.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has gained significant traction among business leaders keen to explore ways it can drive operational efficiencies and cost savings.But while top leadership is sold on its potential, its a different tale for IT teams working the ground. In Australia, the challenges of implementing AI are particularly pronounced, ranging from limited expertise and siloed operations to the rising tide of cybersecurity risks. Its no surprise then that in the face of complexity, companies are not sure how to take the first step towards smooth and successful AI deployments.Australias AI challengesAccess to skilled resources, funding issues and keeping ahead of AIs rapid evolution are just some of the challenges that make it difficult to implement AI solutions uniformly in Australia. For mid-market companies in highly regulated industries, such as finance, energy, and utilities, addressing cybersecurity concerns and responsible AI implementation are also on the list.From an AI context, their challenges are similar to other sectors. This includes access to talent, quality of data, integration with legacy systems, change management, and ethical and regulatory concerns. However, they also face heightened cyber threats and fraud, driven by threat actors leveraging AI to become more sophisticated. The consequence of a breach can be significant from both a financial and consumer trust perspective, explains John Hanna, Neudesic AustraliaUltimately, the breadth of data mid-market companies in finance, energy, and utilities need to deal with is beyond the capabilities of existing systems that rely on the identification of known patterns or human analysis. By adopting AI, these companies gain the capability to analyse information at scale and speed to identify and stop these threats before they significantly impact the business, adds Hanna.To overcome these challenges, Neudesic helps organisations through its expertise, cutting-edge technology, and strong partnerships with Microsoft, having won the Microsoft Partner of the Year award over 20 times. As a global professional services firm, Neudesic is now bringing decades of experience delivering capabilities spanning data and AI, cloud migration and modernisation, application development, and business strategy to Australia.Hanna shares Neudesics approach, which comprises four pillars.People: Its diverse array of internal experts spanning industries, skillsets, and Microsoft Azure and OpenAI solutions help clients address a wide spectrum of business challenges for any organisationApproach: It achieves results not only by implementing Microsoft and OpenAI solutions, but also by addressing todays challenges, identifying tomorrows opportunities, and designing the best path forwardTechnology: It focuses on innovation to develop solutions that meet clients needs while accelerating time to valueExpertise: With 20 years of expertise in Microsofts stack, it offers clients expert knowledge to tackle critical IT challenges and unlock new opportunitiesNeudesics process starts with understanding each clients business needs, followed by collaborative workshops and rapid prototyping.The team will then develop a roadmap aligned with a clients goals and ensure ongoing model refinement, data updates, and process improvements.We are also backed by IBM and Microsoft. What this means for customers is access to the expertise and experience of experts across both tech stacks dedicated to solving the most critical IT challenges of Australian businesses and capturing new growth opportunities, says Hanna.Simplifying critical industry processes with AIA clear example of how Neudesic is driving AI is in simplifying the Know Your Customer (KYC) process in finance, also known as identity verification.KYC is where good customer experience is critical, but traditional KYC processes can take days or even weeks. According to a report conducted by financial compliance software company Fenergo, eight out of ten survey respondents would lose clients to an inefficient onboarding process. More than ever, there is a need for streamlined andintelligent document processing solutions to stay competitive.Neudesics Document Intelligence Platform helps automate the KYC process by capturing customer data from various formats, cross-referencing it with databases, and validating the information in real-time. It also streamlines compliance with customer identification programs.What does this mean for financial organisations? They can now handle high volumes of KYC checks without additional staffing, while automation cuts operational costs. Real-time verification speeds up processes like account openings and loan approvals so that banks can acquire and manage customer assets sooner. Whats more, the platform integrates seamlessly with existing systems like Fenergo for a more robust and efficient workflow.By partnering with integrators like Neudesic, Australian businesses can deploy AI through a proven, logical methodology and unlock the ability to invest and accelerate AI use based on business demand and available capital.Every business dreams big with AI but can stumble when turning ambition into action. Success demands strategy, tailored solutions, and expert guidance. With a trusted partner, businesses can avoid common pitfalls and mistakes that will result in less investment remorse and create business confidence in AI faster than would otherwise be possible, concludes Hanna.Learn more about how Neudesic can help Australian organisations go forward in AI, confidently.

Warhorse Studios Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 has sold two million copies, achieving this milestone less than two weeks after launch. This follows the Embracer Group touting the open-world action RPGs success and how it was nearing two million sold.The overall reception has also been very positive. On Steam, the title crossed 256,000 peak concurrent players and became the 49th most-played title in the platforms history. It has 33,479 user reviews at this time of writing (with 91 percent positive), while critical reviews offer strong acclaim. You can check out our review, where we gave it a nine out of ten.Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is available for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. Fans can look forward to a Barber function, horse racing, and Hardcore mode for free this Spring while the first paid DLC, Brushes With Death, launches this Summer. It sees Henry assisting a mysterious artist and embroiled in a web of dangerous schemes. Stay tuned for more details and gameplay in the coming months.Two million copies in under two weeks! A toast to you all for making #KCD2 a triumph! pic.twitter.com/nLXPkix2yu Kingdom Come: Deliverance II (@KingdomComeRPG) February 17, 2025

Marvel Rivals producer Weicong Wu has revealed that developer NetEase Games has no current plans to bring a PvE game mode to the competitive multiplayer shooter. Speaking to IGN, Wu did mention that the team is experimenting with different game modes. A PvE mode, on the other hand, isnt part of the plan.For now we dont have any kind of a PvE plan, but our development team is continuously experimenting with new game play modes, said Wu. So if we found that a new specific game mode is entertaining enough, fun enough, we would of course bring it to our audience.Wu also spoke about the demand in the Marvel Rivals player base for a potential PvE mode. However, he does say that it would have to be a completely distinct experience from the regular gameplay in Marvel Rivals.Yeah, we believe there are some of our audience that would like the PvE mode, Wu said. But also, you can see that if we come up with a hardcore PvE experience, that will be totally a different distinctive experience from what we have right now. So our development team has been continuously experimenting with different approaches to achieve that goal, maybe a lighter mode, in a lighter sense of that, and to see what would work best for our game.Wu was asked questions about a PvE mode owing to recent rumours of one such mode coming to Marvel Rivals. Earlier this month, an asset was discovered as part of the games files that seemed to be for a potential boss fight. The asset, clearly in its early stages, resembled a tentacled monster in the style of the classical kraken.While it was far from completed as far as animations go, the modelling and rigging work on the asset seemed close to completion, complete with a maw and fully-textured teeth. It didnt have any animations, however, and the video from last week showed it following a player around any animations, tentacles fully outstretched.While a PvE mode might not be in the books for now, Marvel Rivals is still keeping up with a steady pace of content. The studio has revealed that the two remaining members of the Fantastic Four that arent yet in the game will be joining the roster on February 21. This will allow players to have Reid Richards and Sue Storm team up with The Thing and Johnny Storm.A rank reset was planned for the update accompanying The Thing and the Human Torch, but NetEase Games has since backtracked on the decision owing to feedback from players. While players dont have to worry about their ranks getting reset in the middle of the current season, players at rank Grandmaster or higher will still get rewarded with the Crests of Honor.Players that want to get their hands on similar rewards can start ranking up after the second half of the season is kicked off. Along with the rank rewards and the new characters, the update on February 21 will also bring a host of balance changes to the game.Marvel Rivals is a free-to-play game available on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.

Vaduz Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of St. Florin, is a neo-Gothic church in Vaduz, Liechtenstein, and the centre of the Archdiocese of Vaduz. Originally a parish church, it has held the status of cathedral since 1997. The church was built in 1874 by Friedrich von Schmidt on the site of earlier medieval foundations. Its patron saint is Florinus of Rems (Florin), a 9th-century saint of the Vinschgau valley. This photograph shows the nave and choir of the cathedral.Photograph credit: A.SavinRecently featured: Katharine HepburnLesser violetearErnest ShackletonArchiveMore featured pictures

February 18Protesters during the Revolution of Dignity3102 BCE According to Hindu scriptures, Kali Yuga, the last of the four stages that the world goes through as part of the cycle of yugas, began.1814 War of the Sixth Coalition: French troops led by Napoleon forced the Army of Bohemia to retreat after it advanced dangerously close to Paris.1977 The Xinjiang 61st Regiment Farm fire started during Chinese New Year when a firecracker ignited the wreaths of late Mao Zedong, killing 694 personnel.2014 A series of violent events (pictured) involving protesters, riot police, and unknown shooters began in Kyiv that culminated in the ousting of Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych five days later.Angilbert (d.814)Per Brahe the Younger (b.1602)yama Sutematsu (d.1919)Vernon (b.1998)More anniversaries: February 17February 18February 19ArchiveBy emailList of days of the yearAbout

Artificial intelligence in multi-agent environments has made significant strides, particularly in reinforcement learning. One of the core challenges in this domain is developing AI agents capable of communicating effectively through natural language. This is particularly critical in settings where each agent has only partial visibility of the environment, making knowledge-sharing essential for achieving collective goals. Social deduction games provide an ideal framework for testing AIs ability to deduce information through conversations, as these games require reasoning, deception detection, and strategic collaboration.A key issue in AI-driven social deduction is ensuring that agents can conduct meaningful discussions without relying on human demonstrations. Many language models falter in multi-agent settings due to their dependence on vast datasets of human conversations. The challenge intensifies as AI agents struggle to assess whether their contributions meaningfully impact decision-making. Without a clear mechanism to evaluate the usefulness of their messages, they often generate unstructured and ineffective communication, leading to suboptimal performance in strategic games that require deduction and persuasion.Existing reinforcement learning approaches attempt to address this problem but frequently fall short. Some techniques depend on pre-existing datasets of human interactions, which are not always available or adaptable to new scenarios. Others incorporate language models with reinforcement learning but fail due to sparse feedback, which makes it difficult for AI to refine its dialogue strategies. Traditional methods cannot thus systematically improve communication skills over time, making AI discussions in multi-agent environments less effective.A research team from Stanford University introduced an innovative method for training AI agents in social deduction settings without human demonstrationstheir approach leverages multi-agent reinforcement learning to develop AI capable of understanding and articulating meaningful arguments. The research focuses on the game *Among Us*, where crewmates must identify an imposter through verbal discussions. The researchers designed a training mechanism that divides communication into listening and speaking, allowing the AI to optimize both skills independently. The method integrates a structured reward system that progressively enables agents to refine their discussion techniques.The methodology introduces a dense reward signal that provides precise feedback to improve communication. AI agents enhance their listening abilities by predicting environmental details based on prior discussions. At the same time, their speaking proficiency improves through reinforcement learning, where messages are assessed based on their impact on other agents beliefs. This structured approach ensures that AI-generated messages are logical, persuasive, and relevant to the conversation. The research team employed RWKV, a recurrent neural network model, as the foundation for their training, optimizing it for long-form discussions and dynamic gameplay environments.Experimental results demonstrated that this training approach significantly improved AI performance compared to traditional reinforcement learning techniques. The trained AI exhibited behaviors akin to human players, including suspect accusation, evidence presentation, and reasoning based on observed actions. The study showed that AI models utilizing this structured discussion learning framework achieved a win rate of approximately 56%, compared to the 28% win rate of reinforcement learning models without the structured dialogue framework. Furthermore, the AI trained using this method outperformed models four times larger in size, underscoring the efficiency of the proposed training strategy. When analyzing discussion behaviors, the research team observed that the AI could accurately identify imposters at a success rate twice as high as baseline reinforcement learning approaches.Further analysis revealed that AI models trained under this framework adapted effectively to adversarial strategies. Imposters attempted to manipulate discussions by shifting blame, initially confusing AI crewmates. However, the AI agents learned to differentiate between genuine accusations and misleading statements through iterative training. Researchers found that AI-generated messages that explicitly named a suspect were more likely to influence group decisions. This emergent behavior closely resembled human intuition, indicating that the AI could adapt discussion strategies dynamically.This research marks a significant advancement in AI-driven social deduction. By addressing the communication challenges in multi-agent settings, the study provides a structured and effective framework for training AI agents to engage in meaningful discussions without relying on extensive human demonstrations. The proposed method enhances AI decision-making, allowing for more persuasive and logical reasoning in environments that require collaboration and the detection of deception. The research opens possibilities for broader applications, including AI assistants capable of analyzing complex discussions, negotiating, and strategizing in real-world scenarios.Check outthePaper.All credit for this research goes to the researchers of this project. Also,feel free to follow us onTwitterand dont forget to join our75k+ ML SubReddit. NikhilNikhil is an intern consultant at Marktechpost. He is pursuing an integrated dual degree in Materials at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. Nikhil is an AI/ML enthusiast who is always researching applications in fields like biomaterials and biomedical science. With a strong background in Material Science, he is exploring new advancements and creating opportunities to contribute.Nikhilhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/nikhil0980/This AI Paper from IBM and MIT Introduces SOLOMON: A Neuro-Inspired Reasoning Network for Enhancing LLM Adaptability in Semiconductor Layout DesignNikhilhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/nikhil0980/This AI Paper from Apple Introduces a Distillation Scaling Law: A Compute-Optimal Approach for Training Efficient Language ModelsNikhilhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/nikhil0980/This AI Paper from UC Berkeley Introduces a Data-Efficient Approach to Long Chain-of-Thought Reasoning for Large Language ModelsNikhilhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/nikhil0980/Meta AI Introduces PARTNR: A Research Framework Supporting Seamless Human-Robot Collaboration in Multi-Agent Tasks Recommended Open-Source AI Platform: IntellAgent is a An Open-Source Multi-Agent Framework to Evaluate Complex Conversational AI System' (Promoted)

Author(s): Mohit Sewak, Ph.D. Originally published on Towards AI. Copyrighting the Clones: Is AI the Future Picasso or Just a Fancy Photocopier?Lets come straight to the point and kick things off with a place you know pretty well good ol USA!Section 1: Uncle Sam Says No Robots Allowed in Copyright Town (USA)Ah, America! Land of the free, home of the brave, and sticklers for human-made art. You know how much they love their originality thing, right? Well, when it comes to copyright, the US Copyright Office is like that strict bouncer at a club, only letting in creations with a human touch pass (United States Copyright Office, 2023). No robot DJs allowed, apparently.[Image: , Prompt: A stern-looking Uncle Sam character wearing a Copyright Office badge, standing at a velvet rope, turning away a robot artist with a paintbrush., Caption: Human Input Only: In Uncle Sams copyright club, AI creations are on the VIP blacklist., alt: Humorous depiction of US copyright policy as excluding AI art]Remember that time when I was trying to get a patent for my well, lets just say it was a very innovative algorithm back in my PhD days at USC? The patent officer looked at me with the same expression the Copyright Office probably gives AI-generated art skeptical, to say the least! They wanted to see the human genius, the sweat, the tears, the late-night coffee-fueled coding sessions. Basically, they wanted to know I was the brains behind it, not just some fancy machine spitting out code.The Human-Authorship Doctrine: No Humans, No Copyright. Period.So, heres the deal, according to the US Copyright Office: Copyright is for original works of authorship (Copyright Act, Title 17). Key word: authorship. And in their book, authorship means human authorship. AI, in their view, is just a fancy tool, like a super-powered paintbrush or a word processor on steroids. Think of it like this: you use a hammer to build a chair, you own the chairs copyright, not the hammer manufacturer. Same logic applies to AI (United States Copyright Office, 2023).Pro Tip: If you are creating something using AI and want to copyright it in the US, make sure you, the human, have added significant creative input. Dont just rely on the AI output as is. Be the director, not just the audience!AI-Assisted vs. AI-Generated: The Fine LineNow, its not all black and white. If you use AI as a tool, like say, you ask ChatGPT to write a first draft of your blog (hypothetically, of course! ), and then you heavily edit it, rewrite chunks, add your own jokes, and sprinkle in some Mohit-magic boom! Thats considered human-assisted. Copyrightable! Because you, my friend, are the author (United States Copyright Office, 2023). The AI is just your ber-smart intern, helping you out.But, if you just ask the AI to create something from scratch and you literally just copy-paste and claim it as yours? Nope. Not in the USA. Thats AI-generated, and according to the Copyright Office, thats a no-go for copyright protection (United States Copyright Office, 2023). Its like trying to copyright a photograph taken by a security camera interesting, maybe, but no human author there, right?Content Types, Applications, and Stakeholders: Who Cares and Why?Lets break it down for different types of content:Images, Text, Music: Pure AI creations? Copyright denied. But, if you take an AI-generated image and then, say, paint over it digitally, add elements, change the style drastically, and make it your own artistic expression then those human-authored elements can be copyrighted. Its all about showing your creative fingerprint.Software Code: If youre a coder using AI tools to speed things up like GitHub Copilot suggesting lines of code and you are still making the key architectural decisions and writing significant chunks of code yourself, then your code can be copyrighted. AI is just your coding buddy, not the lead programmer.Generative AI Platforms: Think Midjourney, DALL-E, ChatGPT. These platforms themselves cant copyright the raw output their AI spits out based on user prompts. However, they might start focusing on tools that let users significantly modify the AI output, so users can add that crucial human spark and claim copyright. Smart move, eh?Creative Industries: Artists, musicians, writers using AI need to be savvy. They have to ensure their work isnt just AI regurgitation, but a genuine blend of human creativity and AI assistance. Think of it as a collaboration, where the human is the senior partner.News and Journalism: Imagine an AI writing news summaries. Straight-up AI news might be copyright-less. But if a human journalist uses AI to assist in research, fact-checking, or even drafting, and then adds their editorial judgment, analysis, and writing flair that content can be protected. Human plus AI, thats the ticket.Stakeholders in this Copyright Conundrum:Creators: Gotta prove that human spark! Document your creative process, show your edits, your unique inputs. Basically, show your work!Users: You might not own the copyright to pure AI stuff you generate, limiting how you can use it commercially. Be careful if you are planning to build a business on just copy-pasting AI outputs.Platforms: Need to empower users to add their human creativity. Think about offering editing tools, style transfer options, ways to remix and personalize AI outputs.Industries: Stock photo sites, music libraries relying heavily on pure AI content? They might need to rethink their strategy because purely AI stuff in the US? Copyright denied!Trivia Time: Did you know that in the US, ideas themselves are not copyrightable, only the expression of those ideas? So, you cant copyright the idea of a story about a boy wizard, but you can copyright Harry Potter because its how J.K. Rowling expressed that idea (Copyright Act, Title 17). Its all about the execution, baby!Creativity is intelligence having fun. Albert Einstein.Lets make sure humans are still having the most fun, even with AI in the mix!Einsteins Wisdom: Let humans have the creative fun, even when AI is in the lab.Pro Tip for the Road: Always keep records of your human contributions when using AI. Think of it as building your copyright paper trail. Dates, drafts, edits, creative choices document everything! It could save your skin (and your copyright!) later.Okay, USA copyright scene check! Next stop on our world tour? Across the pond to the land of Shakespeare and slightly different AI copyright rules! Lets hop over to the United Kingdom!Section 2: Cheers, Mate! UKs Computer-Generated Works A Quirky Copyright CornerRight then, off to the UK! Now, the Brits, bless their innovative hearts, have a rather unique take on this whole AI copyright thing. While the US is all about human authorship or bust, the UK has this quirky little provision called computer-generated works (CGW) tucked away in their Copyright, Designs and Patents Act of 1988 (UK Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, Section 178). Its like they saw the AI future coming way back then!British Innovation: A spot of tea and a closer look at AI copyright with a monocle of curiosity.I remember presenting my research at a conference in UK once. During the Q&A, a very proper-sounding gentleman asked me about the implications of AI on intellectual property. I started talking about human authorship, US style, and he politely interrupted, Ah, but have you considered our Computer-Generated Works provision, old boy? Talk about a curveball! Thats when I realized the UK was playing a different copyright game altogether.CGW: Copyright Without a Human Author? Blimey!Heres the head-scratcher: UK law actually allows for copyright even when theres no human author! Section 178 defines a CGW as a work generated by computer in circumstances such that there is no human author of the work (UK Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, Section 178). Whoa! Mind blown, right?And Section 9(3) goes even further, stating that for CGW, the author shall be taken to be the person by whom the arrangements necessary for the creation of the work are undertaken (UK Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, Section 9(3)). So, basically, if a computer (or AI) creates something all on its own, someone still gets to be the author and hold copyright. And that someone is whoever made the arrangements for it to happen. Trippy, isnt it?Pro Tip: The UKs CGW provision could be a game-changer for AI developers and platforms. But, the interpretation of arrangements is key, and still a bit murky. Legal battles might be brewing!Arrangements Necessary: The Million-Pound QuestionWhat exactly are these arrangements necessary? Thats the million-pound question, isnt it? Does it mean the person who wrote the AIs code? The company that runs the AI platform? The user who types in the prompt? The law doesnt spell it out clearly, and thats where the legal fun (and headaches) begin.The UK Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO) is currently revisiting this CGW provision because, lets face it, AI has gotten way more sophisticated since 1988. They are wondering if this provision is still fit for purpose in a world of super-smart, almost autonomous AI (UK Intellectual Property Office). Think about it, back then, computer-generated probably meant some basic algorithms creating pixel art. Now, we have AI composing symphonies and writing screenplays!Content Types, Applications, and Stakeholders: A British PerspectiveHow does this CGW quirkiness play out in practice?Text, Images, Music, Code: Theoretically, pure AI creations in these formats could be copyrightable in the UK under CGW, provided someone made the arrangements. This is way more lenient than the US stance. Imagine an AI composing a pop song entirely on its own. In the UK, someone could potentially copyright it!Generative AI Platforms: This is where it gets interesting. Platforms like DeepMind or Stability AI could argue that they are the ones making the arrangements necessary for AI content creation, and therefore, they could claim copyright on AI-generated outputs. Potentially a big advantage for platforms operating in the UK!Creative Industries: Even with CGW, UK creators might still prefer to show human authorship to avoid legal ambiguity. Human-assisted might still be seen as safer copyright ground, even with the CGW safety net.Software Development: Companies using AI to generate code in the UK could potentially claim copyright under CGW if they can argue they made the arrangements. This could incentivize AI-driven software innovation in the UK.Stakeholders in the UK Copyright Drama:Arrangers (Platforms/Companies): They are the potential copyright winners in the UK system. But, they need to navigate the murky waters of arrangements necessary and be ready for legal interpretations and challenges.Users: Potentially benefit from broader copyright protection. If platforms can copyright AI outputs, maybe they will offer more user-friendly licensing options? But uncertainty remains until the arrangements definition is clarified.Legal Interpretation: The word person in UK law generally includes companies as well as individuals. So, AI companies themselves might be able to claim CGW copyright. This is a huge deal!Industries: Industries investing in AI content generation might see the UK as a more copyright-friendly zone than the US. Could the UK become an AI content creation hub because of CGW? Intriguing thought!Trivia Time: The UK was one of the first countries in the world to recognize computer-generated works in its copyright law. Talk about being ahead of the curve! Though, maybe even they didnt foresee AI becoming this creative back in 88! (UK Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988).To be or not to be, that is the question of AI copyright! Yours Truly, Dr. Mohit Sewak, while paraphrasing some famous Brit.Okay, Shakespeare probably didnt say that exactly, but he might have pondered AI copyright if he were around today!Shakespeare Contemplates AI: To CGW or not to CGW, that is the copyright question.Pro Tip for the Road: If you are operating an AI platform in the UK, get yourself a good lawyer, mate! Seriously. The CGW provision is a legal gray area. Understanding arrangements necessary and how to best position yourself to claim CGW copyright is crucial.Alright, from London fog to Brussels bureaucracy! Lets hop over to the European Union and see how they are grappling with AI and copyright. Spoiler alert: its a bit more complicated, and involves more meetings!Section 3: Bonjour Copyright! The EUs Own Intellectual Creation TangoAh, the European Union! A continent of culture, history, and a rather nuanced approach to copyright. Unlike the UKs quirky CGW provision, the EU, in general, leans towards the human touch doctrine, much like the US (Directive 2001/29/EC of the European Parliament). But, as with anything EU-related, its a bit more harmonized and directive-driven.Davids Dilemma: Pondering the EUs Originality standard for AI art in the age of directives.I remember attending a conference in Brussels once, discussing EU digital policy. Trying to understand the EUs stance on AI copyright felt like trying to navigate a well, an EU committee meeting! Lots of languages, lots of opinions, and a general feeling that everyone is trying to agree, but slowly. Very slowly.Originality is Key: Own Intellectual Creation or Bust in the EUThe EU copyright framework, shaped by directives like the Copyright Directive 2001/29/EC, emphasizes originality as a condition for copyright protection (Directive 2001/29/EC of the European Parliament). But what does originality mean? The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), the EUs top court, has weighed in. They say originality means a work is the authors own intellectual creation, reflecting their personality and free and creative choices. Translation? Human authorship, basically (CJEU interpretations of EU Directives).Pro Tip: In the EU, originality isnt just about being new; its about being a reflection of the human authors creative personality. Think of it as artistic DNA they want to see your unique creative code in the work.So, across most EU member states, purely AI-generated stuff? Probably not copyrightable. They want to see that human creative contribution (EU Directives and National Laws of Member States). Its all about that human intellectual creation. The EU is very much in the human-in-the-loop camp when it comes to copyright.Ongoing Discussions, Evolving Policies: The EU ShuffleNow, the EU isnt ignoring AI. Oh no, they are discussing it. A lot! The AI Act, for example, is a massive piece of EU legislation aiming to regulate AI (Artificial Intelligence Act). And within that, and broader EU digital strategy talks, AI and IP are definitely on the agenda (Artificial Intelligence Act). But, specific EU-wide copyright policy for AI-generated content? Still evolving. Think of it as a slow, but steady, EU policy dance. A tango, perhaps? Lots of steps forward, some steps back, and a bit of side-stepping.Content Types, Applications, and Stakeholders: An EU PerspectiveSo, how does the EUs originality focus impact things on the ground?Text, Images, Music, Code: Like the US, in the EU, pure AI creations in these formats are unlikely to get copyright protection. The human originality requirement is a tough hurdle. AI-assisted works? Potentially copyrightable, if they show significant human creative input. Dj vu, anyone?Generative AI Platforms: EU platforms face similar challenges as their US counterparts. They need to enable users to inject that own intellectual creation magic to make AI outputs copyrightable. EU users need tools to personalize, modify, and add their creative stamp.Creative Industries: EU artists using AI? Focus, focus, focus on demonstrating your original creative contribution! Make it clear that you are not just pressing generate and calling it a day. Show the human artistry!Research and Education: AI-generated academic papers or educational materials without significant human intellectual input? Copyright unlikely. EU academia still values human thought, analysis, and writing, surprise!Stakeholders in the EU Copyright Epic:Creators: Must prove their work is their own intellectual creation. Substantial human input, show your personality in the work! Think of it as infusing your creative soul into the AI-assisted creation.Users: Similar limitations as in the US purely AI-generated content? Copyright-challenged. Commercial use might be tricky without adding human creativity.EU Policymakers: They are in a tight spot. Balancing encouraging AI innovation with upholding the traditional principles of human authorship and intellectual creation. Its a tough policy balancing act.Industries: Need to navigate potentially varying interpretations of originality across different EU member states. And lobby for clearer EU-wide guidelines. EU-level harmonization, anyone?Trivia Time: The EU Copyright Directive (2001/29/EC) was adopted way before the current AI boom. Talk about trying to fit a square peg in a round hole! The EU framework was designed for a pre-AI world, and now they are trying to adapt it to the AI revolution. Policy catch-up in action!Europe was created by history. America was created by philosophy. Margaret Thatcher.Well, when it comes to AI copyright, both history (EU tradition of human authorship) and philosophy (US focus on individual creativity) are clashing with technology!EU Copyright Committee: Harmonizing Humor and Headaches over AI Arts Authorship.Pro Tip for the Road: Keep an eye on EU policy developments! The EU is actively discussing AI and IP. Engage in the conversation! Your voice (especially if you are a creator or platform in the EU) matters! Lobbying might be in order!Alright, EU copyright tango paso doble-d! Lets take a step back and zoom out to the global level.Next stop: WIPO the World Intellectual Property Organization! Think of them as the United Nations of copyright but for the whole world!Section 4: WIPO: The Global Copyright Chat Club Talking AI, Not Ruling ItNow, lets step onto the global stage, folks! Forget country-specific policies for a moment. Enter WIPO the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Think of WIPO as the global forum where all countries come to chat about intellectual property, including the AI copyright conundrum (WIPO Conversation on IP and AI). They are like the ultimate global copyright discussion club, but with fancy reports and important-sounding committees.Global Copyright Crossroads: WIPO facilitating the worldwide chat on AIs artful authorship.If you could ever go to present at a WIPO conference once in Geneva, you will realize that is fascinating! Delegates from all over the world, passionately debating the future of IP in the age of AI. It feels like being in a global brainstorming session, trying to collectively wrap your heads around this AI copyright beast.Facilitating Dialogue, Not Dictating Law: WIPOs RoleHeres the key thing about WIPO: they dont set binding international laws (WIPO). Nope. They are more about facilitating international dialogue. They host discussions, commission studies, publish reports, and try to foster consensus among their member states (WIPO Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR)). Think of them as global copyright matchmakers, trying to find common ground, but not actually officiating any marriages.Pro Tip: WIPO is the place to watch for global trends in AI copyright policy. Their discussions and reports shape the international conversation and influence national policies. Pay attention to WIPO!WIPOs Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR) is where a lot of the AI copyright action happens (WIPO Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR)). They explore different models for copyrighting AI-generated content, from sticking to strict human authorship to maybe, just maybe, exploring new models that acknowledge AIs creative role. They are basically trying to figure out: how do we adapt copyright for the AI age?Global Harmonization Efforts: Finding Common Ground in a Copyright BabelWIPOs work is crucial for trying to bring some international harmonization to this crazy AI copyright landscape (WIPO Conversation on IP and AI). Right now, as we are seeing, different countries have wildly different approaches US says no AI copyright, UK says maybe CGW copyright, EU says human originality, and we havent even gotten to Asia yet! WIPO is trying to identify areas of agreement and disagreement. Can we find some global best practices? Can we at least reduce the cross-border copyright chaos? Thats the WIPO hope!Implications for the Global Policy Landscape:Shaping the Conversation: WIPOs work sets the tone for global discussions. Their reports become reference points for national policymakers worldwide. They are basically curating the global AI copyright conversation.International Standards (Maybe, Eventually): WIPOs efforts could lead to some international guidelines or best practices down the line. Dont expect a binding global AI copyright treaty tomorrow, but WIPO can nudge countries towards more consistent approaches. Slow and steady wins the harmonization race?Stakeholders at the Global Level:National Governments: Governments worldwide look to WIPO for analysis and guidance when crafting their own national AI and IP policies. WIPO is like the global AI copyright policy advisor.International Organizations: Organizations like the UN, WTO, etc., use WIPO as a platform for coordinating international IP efforts related to AI. WIPO is the IP hub for the global org world.Industries and Creators (Global): Benefit from WIPOs efforts to clarify the messy international landscape. More clarity = less cross-border uncertainty in AI copyright. Global creators, rejoice (potentially)!Trivia Time: WIPO was established in 1967, but its roots go way back to 1883 with the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property. Talk about a long history in the IP game! Theyve seen copyright evolve from printing presses to well, AI algorithms! (WIPO).The only way to do great work is to love what you do. Steve (WIPOs) Jobs.Trying to make the global IP landscape a little more lovable, even with AI shaking things up!Steve Jobs at WIPO: Great work, great IP, and loving the AI copyright challenge.Pro Tip for the Road: Follow WIPOs work on AI and IP! Check out their website, read their reports, see what the SCCR is up to. If you want to understand the future of global AI copyright, WIPO is your go-to source. Stay globally informed!Okay, global copyright chat club adjourned! Lets now swing East, way East, to the land of dragons, dumplings, and a surprisingly pragmatic approach to AI copyright. Next stop: China!Section 5: Ni Hao Copyright! Chinas Pragmatic Path Certain Intellectual Achievement PleaseGong Xi Fa Cai, folks! Weve landed in China, a land of rapid tech innovation, and a copyright landscape thats well, lets call it evolving rapidly when it comes to AI. While the US and EU are holding onto human authorship tightly, and the UK is playing with CGW, China is carving out its own, more pragmatic path (China: first copyright ruling on AI-generated image, 2022). Think of it as copyright with Chinese characteristics!Panda Judge in China: Weighing Intellectual Achievement in the age of AI artistry.If you visit Beijing for a tech conference. You will find, the buzz around AI palpable! Everyone will be talking about AI innovation, AI applications, AI everything! But when you ask about copyright policies for AI art, the answers will be less definitive, more watch this space. China is still figuring things out, but they are moving fast, and with a distinctly pragmatic approach.Certain Intellectual Achievement: Not Just Human, But Original and SkillfulChina isnt strictly saying human authorship only like the US. But they are also not fully embracing CGW like the UK. Instead, Chinese courts are starting to assess AI-generated content based on whether it reflects a certain intellectual achievement (China: first copyright ruling on AI-generated image, 2022). What does that even mean? Well, its about looking at the level of human input in setting up the AI, selecting data, and refining the outputs. Its a bit like saying, Show us you put some real effort and skill into this AI creation process, human!Pro Tip: Chinas certain intellectual achievement standard is more flexible than strict human authorship, but less clear than CGW. Demonstrating human involvement and originality is key to copyright success in China.Recent court decisions in China suggest that if a human provides detailed prompts, selects and arranges AI-generated elements, and exercises creative judgment, the resulting work might be copyrightable in China (China: first copyright ruling on AI-generated image, 2022). Its not just about pressing generate. Its about directing the AI, curating its output, and adding your human creative sauce.Human Involvement as Key: Directing the AI OrchestraThink of it like conducting an orchestra. The AI is the orchestra, full of instruments and musical potential. You, the human, are the conductor. You choose the music (prompts), you guide the performance (refine outputs), you shape the final sound (creative judgment). The orchestra (AI) creates music, but the intellectual achievement, the artistic vision, comes from the conductor (human). Thats kind of the Chinese vibe.Content Types, Applications, and Stakeholders: The Chinese AngleHow does this intellectual achievement approach play out in China?Images, Text, Art: Chinas approach is potentially more permissive than the US or EU. Some AI-generated content could get copyright if you can show sufficient human input and originality. Emphasis on human direction and curation of AI.Generative AI Platforms: China might be seen as more platform-friendly than the US or EU. Platforms could argue they have a stronger claim to copyright over AI outputs, especially if users are guided to provide detailed prompts and creative direction. Platform-user collaboration for copyright?AI Art and Design: Chinese creators might find it easier to protect AI-assisted works compared to artists in stricter jurisdictions. As long as they can demonstrate their intellectual achievement in guiding the AI. Human-AI creative partnerships, Chinese style!Technology Companies: Investing in AI content generation in China? Might offer more IP protection opportunities compared to the US or EU. China could become an attractive zone for AI content businesses seeking copyright.Stakeholders in the Chinese Copyright Landscape:Creators: Benefit from a potentially broader scope of copyright protection. But still need to demonstrate human input and intellectual achievement. Show your creative kung fu!Platforms and Companies (China-based): May find it easier to establish copyright for AI-generated content. Potentially a competitive advantage for Chinese AI businesses.Legal System (China): Developing case law to define the boundaries of copyrightability for AI works. Balancing AI innovation with IP rights is the Chinese legal tightrope walk.Industries (China): Industries in China might gain a competitive edge by leveraging AI for content creation and protecting it with copyright, potentially more easily than in other regions. China: the rising AI copyright power?Trivia Time: Chinas first copyright ruling on an AI-generated image happened only recently, in late 2022. Talk about real-time policy evolution! China is actively shaping its AI copyright rules as the technology develops, very much learning by doing! (China: first copyright ruling on AI-generated image, 2022).The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Lao Tzu.Chinas AI copyright journey is just beginning, and its taking pragmatic steps to navigate this new terrain!Lao Tzus Wisdom for AI Copyright: A pragmatic journey starts with understanding.Pro Tip for the Road: If you are doing AI content creation in China, or targeting the Chinese market, pay close attention to court decisions and evolving legal interpretations. Chinas AI copyright approach is dynamic. Stay agile and informed! Copyright kung fu requires constant learning!From pragmatic China, were heading Down Under! Lets jump to Australia and see how they are wrestling with AI and copyright and kangaroos!Section 6: Gday Copyright! Australias CGW Down Under Arrangements and ReviewsCrikey! Weve landed in Australia, the land of sunshine, surf, and another country with a computer-generated works (CGW) provision! Yep, just like the UK, Australia has had CGW in its Copyright Act since 1968 (Australian Copyright Act 1968). Are the Aussies onto something here? Lets find out!Aussie Copyright Kangaroo: Surfing the waves of AI IP, CGW style Down Under.One of my doctoral colleague, once gave a talk at a university in Sydney. Afterwards, during a barbie (thats Aussie for BBQ, mate!), a law professor asked him, So, what do you reckon about our CGW, eh? He was like, CG-what now? Turns out, Australia, like the UK, has this unusual copyright approach that could be quite relevant in the AI age.Arrangements Necessary The Aussie InterpretationJust like the UK, Australian copyright law says that for CGW, the author is the person who made the arrangements necessary for the creation of the work (Australian Copyright Act 1968). Sound familiar? It should! Its almost word-for-word the same as the UK provision. So, copyright can exist for AI-generated works in Australia, and its all about who made those arrangements. Ringing any CGW bells yet?Pro Tip: Australias CGW provision is very similar to the UKs. Arrangements necessary is still the key phrase, and just as ambiguous. Legal interpretation is crucial.IP Australia, the Aussie IP office, is currently reviewing their IP framework in light of AI advancements (IP Australia). They are asking the big questions: Is CGW still good enough for todays AI? Do we need to update copyright law for more complex AI outputs? Think of it as an Aussie copyright review and revamp in progress!Ongoing Review: Copyright Down Under, Under ScrutinyThis review is important because, just like in the UK, the original CGW provision was written way before the AI revolution we are seeing now. Are arrangements in 1968 the same as arrangements in 2025, when AI can write novels and compose operas? Probably not! IP Australia is trying to figure out if their CGW provision is future-proof, or needs a tune-up.Content Types, Applications, and Stakeholders: The Aussie SpinHow does CGW and the ongoing review affect things in Australia?Text, Images, Music, Code: Similar to the UK, Australias CGW could mean copyright protection for pure AI creations. It hinges on who made the arrangements. Platforms? Developers? Users? Still unclear, but the potential is there.Generative AI Platforms: Australia, like the UK, might be a more appealing copyright jurisdiction for platforms. Platforms could argue they are making the necessary arrangements for AI content generation. Aussie AI platform advantage?Creative Industries: CGW offers a copyright avenue for Aussie creators using AI. But the ongoing review adds uncertainty. Will CGW stay as is? Will it be changed? Creators are in a wait-and-see mode.Technological Innovation: The review aims to balance encouraging AI innovation with ensuring proper IP protection. Australia wants to be AI-friendly, but also IP-savvy. Balancing act, Aussie style!Stakeholders in the Australian Copyright Saga:Arrangers (Developers/Platforms): They are the potential authors under CGW. But they need to navigate the arrangements definition and the ongoing review. Aussie legal limbo for now?Users: Potential copyright for AI content, but also uncertainty due to the review. Will the copyright rules change? Users are in the dark a bit.IP Australia: Tasked with modernizing Aussie copyright law for the AI age. Big job, mate! Balancing innovation and IP protection, Down Under style.Industries: Australian industries need to watch the IP review closely. The outcomes will shape the future copyright landscape for AI content in Australia. Aussie industries, stay tuned!Trivia Time: Australias Copyright Act of 1968 was a landmark piece of legislation and it included CGW provisions way back then! Talk about foresight, or maybe just lucky guess? Either way, Australia was ahead of the AI copyright curve, decades ago! (Australian Copyright Act 1968).No worries, mate! An Aussie friend of Dr. Mohit Sewak.Well, maybe a few worries about AI copyright in Australia, but hopefully, the ongoing review will sort things out, no worries!Kangaroo Copyright Rally: Aussie marsupials demand clarity on AI art authorship.Pro Tip for the Road: Keep an eye on IP Australias review of AI and IP! Follow their consultations, read their reports. The future of Aussie AI copyright is being shaped right now! Stay informed, Down Under copyright watchers!From the land of kangaroos and CGW, we hop over to maple syrup and politeness! Lets head to Canada and see their take on AI and copyright. Eh?Section 7: Eh? Canadas Copyright Human Authorship, But Maybe Open to Chat?Howdy, folks, and welcome to Canada! Land of hockey, maple syrup, and a somewhat polite approach to AI copyright. Canada, like the US and EU, generally leans towards human authorship for copyright (Canadian Intellectual Property Office). But, theres a Canadian niceness in the air, a hint that they might be a bit more open to interpretation than their US and EU counterparts. Lets explore, eh?Canadian Copyright Moose: Politely pondering human authorship in the AI era.My researcher fraternity has always enjoyed presenting at conferences in Canada. People are friendly, the scenery is stunning, and the copyright discussions well, they are thoughtful and polite. Theres a sense that Canada is watching the global AI copyright debate, considering different viewpoints, and taking their time to decide their own path.Human Authorship, Originality and Skill & Judgement The Canadian WayCanadian copyright law, rooted in their Copyright Act, requires originality and authorship (Copyright Act Canada). Sounds familiar, right? But unlike the US law, the Canadian Copyright Act doesnt explicitly say human authorship is needed. Hmm, wiggle room? Maybe! However, current interpretations and practices in Canada do lean towards human creativity as essential for copyright (Canadian Intellectual Property Office). So, human authorship is the de facto norm, even if not explicitly stated in law.Canadian courts have emphasized that copyright protects works that originate from an author and involve more than just mechanical copying (Canadian Intellectual Property Office). It needs to be the product of skill and judgment. Again, sounds very human-centric, doesnt it?Pro Tip: Canada, like the US and EU, favors human authorship for copyright. Originality and skill & judgment are key Canadian copyright concepts. Human creativity is still valued up North!Evolving Stance: Watching, Waiting, and Chatting?The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) is definitely monitoring the global AI and IP scene (Canadian Intellectual Property Office). They are engaging in discussions, watching what WIPO, US, UK, EU, and China are doing. Canadas approach is likely to evolve as global case law and policy discussions mature. Think of Canada as the thoughtful observer in the AI copyright classroom, taking notes, asking polite questions, and pondering their next move.Content Types, Applications, and Stakeholders: The Canadian OutlookHow does Canadas human authorship, but open to chat stance play out?Text, Images, Music, Code: Generally understood in Canada that pure AI creations might not meet the originality and human authorship bar for copyright. AI-assisted works? More likely to be copyrightable, if humans show skill and judgment. Similar to the US and EU ballpark.Generative AI Platforms: Likely Canadian policy will align with the US and EU platforms need to enable human creative input for copyrightable outputs. Canadian users need AI tools that allow for personalization and human artistry.Creative Industries: Canadian artists using AI should focus on demonstrating their creative contributions, their skill and judgment. Show the human behind the AI curtain!Legal Framework Development: Canada is in an observation and deliberation phase. Awaiting international consensus and national case law to further define their AI copyright stance. Canada: the copyright policy ponderer.Stakeholders in the Canadian Copyright Conversation:Creators: Need to show sufficient human skill and judgment in their AI-assisted works to be considered original and copyrightable. Canadian creators, showcase your human artistry!Users: Face uncertainty, as the exact copyright boundaries for AI content are still being defined in Canada. Canadian users, stay tuned for policy updates, eh?CIPO and Policymakers: Under pressure to clarify Canadas stance and potentially update copyright law for AI. Canadian policymakers, the copyright spotlight is on you!Industries: Seek clarity and predictability in Canadian copyright law to guide AI content investments. Canadian industries seeking copyright certainty in the AI age.Trivia Time: Canada is known for its politeness even in copyright policy? While they lean towards human authorship, the lack of explicit human requirement in their Copyright Act might signal a potential openness to evolving interpretations in the future. Canadian copyright politeness, maybe with a hint of flexibility?The true north strong and free. Canadian national anthem.Canada aims to be a strong and free innovator in AI and figure out the copyright stuff too, eh!Canadian Mounties Welcome: Politely navigating the AI copyright frontier with a smile and a nod.Pro Tip for the Road: Engage with CIPO! Participate in consultations, provide feedback. Canadas AI copyright policy is still evolving, and your voice can help shape it. Canadian creators and platforms, make your voices heard, politely, of course!Alright, from polite Canada, lets take a final hop across the Pacific to sushi, samurai, and a surprisingly chill attitude towards AI copyright! Last stop on our world tour: Japan!Section 8: Konnichiwa Copyright! Japans Chill Copyright Vibe Use Rights and Exploitation FocusKonnichiwa from Japan! Land of cherry blossoms, bullet trains, and a rather relaxed approach to AI copyright? Yep, Japan is kind of the outlier in our copyright world tour. While most countries are debating human authorship and originality, Japan is well, focusing on use rights and exploitation (Japanese Copyright Act). Think of it as copyright, Japanese style less about who created it, more about who can use it, and how.Samurai of Copyright: Japanese focus on AI use rights with zen-like IP mastery.If you ever remember visiting Tokyo for a tech conference. The energy around AI was incredible! Robots everywhere, AI-powered gadgets, and a general sense of embracing the AI future, wholeheartedly. When I asked about copyright for AI art, the response was surprisingly unconcerned. More like, AI creates, so what? Lets figure out how to use it!No Explicit No AI Copyright Policy Focus on Creative ExpressionHeres the thing: Japans Copyright Act doesnt explicitly deny copyright to AI-generated works (Japanese Copyright Act). Mind. Blown. The focus in Japan is less on authorship and more on the rights of those who use and exploit creative works. Some experts even suggest that if AI creates something creative, it could be protected in Japan, and the rights might belong to whoever operates the AI system (Expert Interpretations of Japanese Copyright Act). Whoa, Japan, you rebel!Pro Tip: Japans copyright approach is unique less about human authorship, more about creative expression and use rights. Potentially very AI-friendly!The key criterion in Japan is whether the AI output is a creative expression of thoughts or sentiments (Japanese Copyright Act). If it is, then copyright might apply. And who gets the rights? Well, thats less defined, and open to interpretation. Potentially the AI operator, platform, or someone else? Japan is keeping it flexible, it seems.Rights Holder Ambiguity: Less Authorship, More UsageThe question of who the rights holder is for AI-generated content is less clear-cut in Japan (Expert Interpretations of Japanese Copyright Act). Is it the AI operator? The user who prompted the AI? Or the company that developed the AI? Japanese law doesnt explicitly say. Its more about figuring out the use and exploitation of the creative output, rather than obsessing over who the author is in the traditional sense. Japanese copyright zen?Content Types, Applications, and Stakeholders: The Japanese PerspectiveHow does Japans chill copyright vibe impact things?Text, Images, Music, Code: Japan could potentially allow copyright for pure AI creations in these formats if they are deemed creative. Potentially the most permissive regime weve seen on our tour! AI art paradise?Generative AI Platforms: Japan might be the most favorable jurisdiction for platforms to claim IP rights over AI outputs. Platforms could argue they are the rights holders by operating the AI system. Japanese AI platform gold rush, maybe?Technological Innovation: Japans approach could really encourage investment in AI content generation. IP protection might be more readily available, boosting AI innovation in Japan. Japanese tech boom, fueled by AI copyright?Commercial Use of AI Content: Businesses might find it easier to secure and use copyright for AI-generated materials in Japan. Japanese businesses, AI content advantage?Stakeholders in the Japanese Copyright Zen Garden:AI System Operators: May have a stronger claim to copyright in Japan compared to other jurisdictions. Japanese AI operators, potential copyright kings?Users and General Public: Implications for users are less clear. Focus shifts from human authorship to exploitation rights. Will this benefit users, or just AI operators? Japanese users, copyright question marks?Japanese Government: Aiming to foster AI innovation, and navigating IP complexities, with a pragmatic approach. Japanese government, balancing innovation and IP, with Zen calm?Industries (Japan): Industries in Japan might have an advantage in leveraging AI for content creation, thanks to potentially more flexible copyright rules. Japanese industries, AI copyright edge?Trivia Time: Japan is known for its robotics and AI innovation. Is their relaxed copyright stance towards AI-generated works a deliberate strategy to encourage even more AI innovation? Maybe! Japan might be playing the long game in the AI copyright race!Fall seven times, stand up eight. Japanese proverb.Japans AI copyright approach might be different, might face challenges, but they are likely to keep innovating and adapting, standing up again and again!Zen and Copyright: Japan finds peace in AIs creative chaos, focusing on use and harmony.Pro Tip for the Road: If you are interested in AI copyright in Asia, Japan is the jurisdiction to watch. Their focus on use rights and exploitation, rather than strict authorship, is a radical departure from Western approaches. Japan: the AI copyright wild card!Comparative Summary: Copyright Across the Globe A Quick Cheat Sheet!Phew! Weve just zipped around the world in well, hopefully less than 80 days, exploring the wild and wacky world of AI copyright policies! Time for a quick cheat sheet, a rapid-fire recap of what weve learned on our copyright safari:Copyright Across the Globe A Quick Cheat SheetConclusion: The AI Copyright Wild West For NowSo, there you have it, folks! Our whirlwind tour of global AI copyright policies. And the verdict? Its a mixed bag, to say the least! A bit of a copyright wild west out there, wouldnt you say? Different countries, different approaches, and a whole lot of uncertainty.Key Takeaways for the Road Ahead:For Creators and Entrepreneurs: Know your jurisdiction! Copyright laws for AI content are highly country-specific. If you are creating AI art, music, code, etc., understand the copyright rules in your target markets. Global copyright strategy, essential!For Platforms and Companies: Human input is your copyright friend! Design AI systems that empower users to add meaningful human creativity. Focus on AI-human collaboration, not just pure AI generation, especially in stricter jurisdictions. Human-AI partnerships, the copyright key!For Policymakers: Balance innovation and IP! Incentivize AI development, but also protect human creativity and authorship principles. International collaboration and harmonization are crucial. Global AI copyright coordination, needed now!The Future of AI Copyright: Stay Tuned, Its Gonna Be a Ride!The AI copyright saga is far from over. In fact, its just getting started! As AI gets even smarter, more creative, and more integrated into our lives, the copyright debate will only intensify. Expect more legal battles, policy revisions, and international discussions in the coming years. The world is still figuring out the rules of this AI copyright game. And the decisions we make now will shape the future of creativity, innovation, and the relationship between humans and machines in the digital age. Exciting and slightly terrifying, right?Call to Action: Your Voice Matters!Stay informed! Engage in the AI copyright conversation! Talk to policymakers, participate in online forums, share your opinions. The future of AI copyright is being written as we speak. And your voice, yes yours, matters in shaping that future.Lets make sure its a future that encourages both AI innovation and human creativity. Deal?Global Voices, Global Copyright: Lets shape the future of AI arts ownership, together, worldwide.Pro Tip for the Very End: This is just the beginning of the AI copyright story. The law is always playing catch-up with technology. Expect changes, expect debates, expect surprises! The AI copyright landscape will likely be dynamic for years to come. Buckle up, its going to be a fascinating ride!Alright, my friend, thats our AI copyright world tour! Hope you enjoyed the ride! Now, if youll excuse me, I need to go copyright-proof my next AI-assisted blog post just in case! Stay creative, stay informed, and stay humorous! Cheers!ReferencesAustralian GovernmentAustralian Government. (2024, March 28). Artificial intelligence and IP rights. IP Australia.Canadian GovernmentCanadian Intellectual Property Office. (n.d.). Copyright and artificial intelligence. Government of Canada.ChinaChina: first copyright ruling on AI-generated image. (2022, December 22). Lexology.European UnionDirective 2001/29/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 May 2001 on the harmonisation of certain aspects of copyright and related rights in the information society. (2001, May 22). EUR-Lex.EU Artificial Intelligence Act. Artificial intelligence act.United Kingdom GovernmentUnited Kingdom Government. (2023, November 2). Artificial intelligence and intellectual property: copyright and patents. GOV.UK.UK Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, Section 9(3), Section 178. (1988). legislation.gov.uk.UK Intellectual Property Office. Artificial intelligence (AI) and intellectual property.United States Copyright OfficeUnited States Copyright Office. (2023, March). Copyright and artificial intelligence: Part 2 Copyrightability report.Copyright Act, Title 17 of the U.S. Code. (n.d.). U.S. Copyright Office.World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)WIPO. (n.d.). WIPO conversation on intellectual property (IP) and artificial intelligence (AI). World Intellectual Property Organization.WIPO Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR). Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR).JapanJapanese Copyright Act. (n.d.). Japanese Law Translation Database System. (PS: Limited official English documentation directly on AI copyright policy. Further, academic and expert interpretations may be needed.)Canada Copyright ActCopyright Act Canada. (n.d.). Department of Justice Canada.Disclaimers and DisclosuresThis article combines the theoretical insights of leading researchers with practical examples, and offers my opinionated exploration of AIs ethical dilemmas, and may not represent the views or claims of my present or past organizations and their products or my other associations.Use of AI Assistance: In the preparation for this article, AI assistance has been used for generating/ refining the images, and for styling/ linguistic enhancements of parts of content.License: This work is licensed under a CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 license. Attribution Example: This content is based on [Title of Article/ Blog/ Post] by Dr. Mohit Sewak, [Link to Article/ Blog/ Post], licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.Follow me on: | Medium | LinkedIn | SubStack | X | YouTube |Join thousands of data leaders on the AI newsletter. Join over 80,000 subscribers and keep up to date with the latest developments in AI. From research to projects and ideas. If you are building an AI startup, an AI-related product, or a service, we invite you to consider becoming asponsor. Published via Towards AI