Creatives began departing from the META social platform following the announcement of their new policies on AI training data. According to these rules, all public content posted on the platform would be used for AI training purposes. While users technically have the option to opt out, the process is cumbersome and not straightforward.
The updated policy sparked significant backlash among creatives, prompting some to leave the platform entirely and others to delete their accounts altogether. However, this policy change seems more like a belated notification. META had already been conducting AI training since as early as 2023 (source: WSJ), potentially incorporating a vast amount of existing content into their datasets. Additionally, the policy states that deleted data will still be stored on their servers for up to 90 days.
Digital Footprint
Instead of getting frustrated with policies beyond our control, let’s focus on the importance of our digital footprint. In the Web3 era, users are deeply intertwined with social media platforms, from early sites like Facebook and Instagram to modern ones like TikTok. Over the years, users have posted countless pieces of content, with some individuals having an online presence that spans over a decade.
For smaller, unpublished artists, social media platforms are crucial for visibility. Despite the prevalence of AI scraping, user uploads are still protected by copyright laws. When professional artists quit these platforms in protest, they may only lose followers because their published works already safeguard their art. However, for smaller artists, these platforms might be their only art portfolio.
Imagine a scenario where an AI generates content that is 80-100% similar to yours, yet you’ve removed all your content from the platform. How would you assert your rights in such a case? This is why it’s important to maintain your digital footprint on these platforms. Keeping your content online ensures you have evidence to support your claims in the future
In conclusion, while it’s understandable to feel frustrated by policies that seem to undermine the value of creative work, it’s crucial to recognize the importance of maintaining a robust digital footprint. By strategically managing and preserving your online presence, especially on social media platforms, you can safeguard your work and assert your rights in the face of evolving technologies like AI. Depending on the creatives type, moving away from these platforms to a more Artist centric platform (such as Cara) might be a good way, or hosting your own personal website.
Most importantly, keep drawing!
Leave a Reply