Canada launches consultation on the implications of generative artificial intelligence for copyright
by Bill C-27
Feedback will contribute to copyright policy development.
OTTAWA — The Government of Canada proposed the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act, as part of Bill C-27, and continues to consider how other legislative frameworks may need to be updated to address the changing technological landscape, including the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.
François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage, launched a consultation to gather Canadians’ thoughts on generative AI tools and the implications for copyright holders to give consent and receive credit and compensation for the use of their works.
The questions to be studied over the course of this consultation, which are outlined in the consultation paper, will touch on:
the use of copyright-protected works in the training of AI systems;
authorship and ownership rights related to AI-generated content; and
liability, especially when AI-generated content could infringe existing copyright-protected works.
The government first consulted on these questions in 2021 through the Consultation on a Modern Copyright Framework for Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things. At that time, many Canadians felt it was early to comment on the implications of AI for the copyright framework. However, with the more recent public release of powerful generative AI tools, many stakeholders, particularly in the creative industries, have highlighted the importance of revisiting these issues.
“As developments in AI intensify, our government is seizing every opportunity to stimulate innovation and the possibilities offered by this revolutionary technology,” said François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “Canada’s copyright framework needs to remain balanced and able to facilitate a functional marketplace, and that’s why we’re studying the best way forward to protect the rights of Canadians, while ensuring the safe and ethical development of AI.”
Canadians have until December 4, to submit feedback online. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and Canadian Heritage will also hold a series of roundtables with a variety of stakeholders, including those involved in the creative industries and AI development. The comments collected will contribute to copyright policy development. An update on the consultation findings will be posted online in 2024.
“Canada’s authors, musicians and artists are asking important questions about how to protect their work as generative AI evolves. These consultations are one step towards leveraging AI to improve our lives, while ensuring that human creativity and innovation continue to thrive,” said Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage.
