In May 2025, significant shifts in copyright law transpired with the dismissal of key figures, including Dr. Carla Hayden and Shira Perlmutter, alongside the release of a pivotal U.S. Copyright Office report. This report on AI training labels many prevailing industry practices as likely infringing copyright rather than qualifying for fair use. Despite the absence of formal legal force, its findings could influence ongoing litigation regarding AI and copyright issues, fuelling the ongoing debate about the necessity for AI developers to secure permissions for copyrighted materials.
AI training often requires uploading of entire copyrighted works into the systems, and so is easily categorized as prima facie copyright infringement -- absent a license or fair use excuse.
The stakes are high, and the consequences are often described in existential terms.
The quick release of this report appears to have circumvented folks in leadership outside of the Office.
This drama is not a resolution of the legal question, but rather seems to intensify and further politicize the debates over whether AI developers must seek permission.
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