Hundreds of celebrities, including Ben Stiller, Mark Ruffalo, and Aubrey Plaza, have joined forces to push back against OpenAI and Google's proposal to allow AI models to train on copyrighted content without permission. The stars have signed a letter arguing that the tech giants' plans would amount to "freely exploiting" creative industries and undermining national security.

The letter, which comes in response to the Trump administration's request for feedback on its incoming AI Action Plan, directly addresses Google and OpenAI's comments on the plan. Both companies argue that they need access to copyrighted materials to train their AI models and that existing laws are holding them back. OpenAI claims that applying fair use protections to AI is a "matter of national security."

However, the celebrities' letter strongly disagrees, stating that "there is no reason to weaken or eliminate the copyright protections that have helped America flourish." Instead, they argue that AI companies should negotiate appropriate licenses with copyright holders, just as every other industry does. The letter emphasizes that the creative industries have long thrived under the current copyright system, and there is no reason to change it.

This is not the first time Hollywood stars have banded together to address AI-related concerns. Last year, many of the same celebrities supported California's AI safety bill, which was later vetoed by Governor Gavin Newsom. The latest letter demonstrates the entertainment industry's ongoing concerns about the impact of AI on their work and the importance of protecting creative rights.

The debate surrounding AI training on copyrighted materials has significant implications for the tech industry, creative industries, and national security. As AI technology continues to advance, the need for clear guidelines and regulations on AI training data becomes increasingly pressing. The celebrities' letter serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of balancing innovation with responsible use of copyrighted materials.

The full letter, signed by over 400 members of the entertainment industry, can be read in its entirety online. The move marks a significant show of solidarity among Hollywood stars and a strong statement against OpenAI and Google's plans. As the AI landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how the tech industry and policymakers will respond to these concerns.