The Pareto Principle and AI Copyright Laws

The Pareto Principle, often observed in the realm of creative professions, posits that a small percentage of professionals (about 20%) typically earn the majority (around 80%) of the total income. This phenomenon is particularly evident in fields like music, writing, and art. Within this context, the advent of AI in creative fields has stirred concerns among the larger group of creatives (the 80%) who fear that AI might exacerbate their challenges or raise the bar for making a living creatively.

Addressing the Pareto Principle requires nuanced solutions. The key question is whether proposed strategies merely assist individual creatives in moving closer to the more prosperous 20% or fundamentally alter the principle's dynamics. For instance, calls to "strengthen" copyright laws, often touted as protective measures for the majority of creatives, need careful consideration. The debate around training Deep Neural Networks on copyrighted material oscillates between arguments of fair use and copyright infringement. The truth, as it stands, is not a straightforward infringement but hovers in a gray area between these two legal concepts.

A potentially transformative approach, rather than a mere reinforcement of existing laws, could be promoting Fair Use and Accessibility. By amending copyright laws to bolster fair use provisions, a broader spectrum of creatives might gain the ability to access, remix, and build upon existing works. This approach can spur innovation and creativity, especially among those with limited resources.

However, it's crucial to recognize that strengthening copyright laws under the pretext of protecting the broader group of creatives might unintentionally intensify the Pareto Principle's effects. Such measures could inadvertently fortify the position of the already successful 20%, leaving the rest further marginalized.

These considerations highlight the complexity of addressing the Pareto Principle in creative fields. The solution lies not just in legal adjustments but in a holistic approach that includes policy changes, cultural shifts, and perhaps, a redefinition of success and value in the creative world.

These are some early morning thoughts on Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024. I still have to do more thinking.