SGA supports the “No Section 230" immunity for AI Act
December 7, 2023 -- The Songwriters Guild of America thanks Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Josh
Hawley (R-MO) for introducing the, “No Section 230 Immunity for AI Act.” The bill would clarify
that Section 230 immunity will not apply to claims based on generative AI. This will ensure that consumers have the tools and freedom they need to individually protect themselves and their children from harmful content produced by the latest advancements in AI technology. The bill would also
allow authors and other creators to sue companies in federal or state court for harm by generative
AI models.
“In our pursuit to protect the value of original human expression, we are dedicated to safeguarding the interests of our members throughout the U.S. and the world by ensuring that AI companies, and their generative models, adhere to the fundamental Three Cs: Consent, Credit and Compensation,” said Rick Carnes, president of the SGA.
"Through these efforts, we aim to foster a creative landscape where the rights, livings and
freedoms of human creators are respected and upheld while still supporting the responsible
advance of new technologies,” he concluded.
Exempting generative AI from Section 230 encourages such ethical practices within the
technology industry and promotes a balanced ecosystem where creativity and innovation can
thrive. For this reason, the Songwriters Guild wholeheartedly endorses the No Section 230
Immunity for AI Act.
“We will continue to work with all members of Congress to ensure our voices are heard and
to advance this bill through to enactment,” added Charles Sanders, outside counsel to the SGA.
You can read the bill text, here.
The Songwriters Guild of America (SGA) is the longest-established and largest music creator advocacy and copyright administrative organization in the United States -- run solely by and for songwriters, composers and their heirs. Its positions are reasoned and formulated independently and solely in the interests of music creators, without financial influence or other undue interference from parties whose interests vary from or are in conflict with those of songwriters, composers, and other authors of creative works. Established in 1931, SGA has for over 90 years successfully operated with a two-word mission statement: “Protect Songwriters,” and continues to do so throughout the United States and the world.