Archive · 23 Jan 2026
Actors, Musicians Protest AI Use of Copyrighted Works
A group of famous actors, musicians, and writers have started a campaign called 'Stealing Isn’t Innovation' to protest how big tech companies use their creative works to train AI models without permission.
They say this is unfair and hurts their ability to make new content.
The campaign wants AI companies to pay for using their work, just like Disney did with OpenAI.
Some AI companies say they are allowed to use this material, but others like Disney and Warner Bros.
are suing to stop it.
The campaign will be seen on social media and in ads.
Actors, musicians, and authors launch 'Stealing Isn’t Innovation' campaign against AI use of copyrighted works.
Campaign led by Human Artistry Campaign, including groups like SAG-AFTRA and the Recording Academy.
AI companies' use of copyrighted works is called a 'massive rip off' that threatens U.S. creative industries.
Campaign calls for AI companies to license content, citing Disney's agreement with OpenAI as an example.
AI companies claim fair use, but lawsuits from Warner Bros., Disney, and NBCUniversal challenge this.
- Who
- Actors, musicians, content creators, and authors
- What
- Launch of the 'Stealing Isn’t Innovation' campaign to protest AI use of copyrighted works
- When
- Not specified
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To protect the creative community and copyright law from unauthorized use by AI companies
- Campaign Name
- Stealing Isn’t Innovation
- Leading Organization
- Human Artistry Campaign
- Notable Supporters
- Scarlett Johansson, Cate Blanchett, REM, Brad Meltzer
- AI Companies' Claim
- Fair use of copyrighted material
- Recent Agreement
- Disney and OpenAI
- Lawsuits Filed
- Warner Bros., Disney, NBCUniversal against Midjourney
