The TechLaw.Fest 2023, organized by the Singapore Academy of Law, MP Singapore, and Ministry of Law, Singapore, took place in Singapore on 21-22 September. Winnie Tam SC of Des Voeux Chambers was invited to speak at the Day 1 Main Stage plenary session entitled “Legal Implications of Generative AI – Is It a Tool of the Future?”, moderated by Dr Stanley Lai, SC from Allen & Gledhill LLP. Mr Jared Ragland from BSA | The Software Alliance, Dr Alan Ragueneau from Dentons, and Prof Steve Tan from Rajah & Tann Technologies Pte Ltd also joined as panellists.
Generative AI has emerged as a powerful autonomous tool with numerous applications in various fields, including art, music, and design. However, its legal implications present several challenges. The panels explored the extent to which copyright protection may potentially subsist in AI-generated works, and how copyright ownership issues of such works can be resolved under prevailing legislative regimes. The panel also critically examined whether the computational data analysis exception covers the use of generative AI, whether these and other uses may also potentially qualify as fair use, and the legal analysis that emanates from the source material that may be used to train AI systems. The panel also discussed the methods of gathering such material, what types of data, artwork, copyrighted materials, and other materials are suitable for generative AI, and how rights may be cleared.
