ABU Webinar: Copyright over AI-generated worksHello world!

As AI tools like ChatGPT and image generators become common in production workflows, the ABU Media Academy hosted a focused session on their legal and ethical implications for broadcasters. The webinar, featured Dr. Seemantani Sharma, ABU’s Manager of Regulatory, Legal & IP Services, gathered 74 participants across the Asia-Pacific to explore pressing copyright questions in the age of generative AI.

Dr. Seemantani explained that under copyright law, originality means novelty, not necessarily creativity—raising challenges around whether AI-generated works qualify for protection. She outlined three legal models under global discussion: a new legal category (sui generis), a tiered model based on human input, or relying on contract-based licensing agreements.

Participants were advised to document their creative role early and use disclaimers when AI content is included, especially in education or commerce. Transparency, Dr. Seemantani emphasised that transparency is key—not just to avoid legal risk, but to maintain ethical credibility. “The problem isn’t using AI,” she noted, “but failing to disclose it.

In the Q&A, questions from Pakistan and Turkey focused on the tipping point of AI use—how much AI use is too much, and when does a human still count as a creator?  Dr. Seemantani advised focusing on originality in prompts, tracking human contribution, and keeping updated with local copyright reforms.

The session offered ABU members key legal insights into managing AI-generated content. As copyright norms evolve, broadcasters are encouraged to adopt transparent, well-documented practices to remain compliant and ethically grounded.