Statement regarding generative AI and proposed changes to copyright law
The Australian Literary Agents’ Association expresses our solidarity and support with the recent submissions made by the Australian Society of Authors (ASA) and the Australian Publishing Association (APA) to the Joint Select Committee on AI. We share their deep concerns about the impact generative AI is having upon creative careers and the proposed changes to copyright law.
We staunchly object to the proposed model where authors must proactively opt-out of allowing for their work to be fed into generative AI models. It is imperative that creators choose whether or not their work can be licensed by multinational AI companies and the terms of such a licensing arrangement.
Instead, we support direct, voluntary and opt-in licensing and reiterate the APA’s position that the Committee should:
1. Define sovereign AI objectives. Require evidence connecting copyright changes to specific sovereign capabilities, enforceable Australian access and control, and benefits for Australian authors and publishers.
2. Enable voluntary licensing. Support direct and opt-in collective agreements through a pilot that helps publishers of all sizes identify rights, arrange licences and supply authorised files.
3. Preserve copyright and consent. Maintain the rejection of a broad text and data mining exception and oppose technical opt-outs and non-consensual training authorisations as substitutes for affirmative permission.
4. Require transparency and effective enforcement. Establish auditable sourcing records, safeguards against piracy and accessible remedies, including for imported datasets and overseas-developed models.
5. Require lawful government procurement and support. Require AI suppliers receiving public funding or contracts to document lawful sourcing and deliver the Australian access and control promised.
6. Sustain Australian writing, publishing and reading. Protect literary diversity, educational quality, research integrity, reliable information and First Nations cultural authority.
7. Publish and assess reform proposals. Examine legal compatibility, economic effects, international payments and alternatives, and consider the Committee’s recommendations before commitments that presume copyright changes.
Australian Publishers Association appears before Joint Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence
Statement regarding phishing scams
The Australian Literary Agents' Association is aware of various phishing/fake email scams targeting emerging authors. These scams commonly use the names of legitimate ALAA agents to enquire about the status of manuscripts and the possibility of representation. They often use deceptive email addresses that are similar to the agent's legitimate address. Please be aware that no accredited literary agency would demand a reading or editorial fee from prospective clients. It is also quite unusual for a literary agent to contact an aspiring author out of the blue.
If you are in doubt about the legitimacy of an email received from a literary agent, refer to the ALAA list of member agencies and Code of Practice and contact the agent directly to confirm the request. Please be vigilant and ensure you have verified the authenticity of a request before sharing a manuscript or any personal or financial information.