Hundreds of publishers across the United States have joined forces to launch an ad campaign urging the US government to take action against "AI theft" and ensure that Big Tech companies fairly compensate creators for their work. The campaign, dubbed "Support Responsible AI," is led by the News/Media Alliance trade association and features prominent publishers such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian, and Vox Media.

The campaign's ads, which will appear in print and online, feature bold phrases like "Keep Watch On AI," "Stop AI Theft," and "AI Steals From You Too." The text at the bottom of each ad reads: "Stealing is un-American. Tell Washington to make Big Tech pay for the content it takes." The ads also include a link and QR code that directs users to the Support Responsible AI page, where they can contact their local representatives to demand action.

The campaign comes on the heels of letters sent by OpenAI and Google to the US government, urging it to allow their AI models to train on copyrighted content without requiring permission or compensation. The publishers argue that this would be a significant threat to their livelihoods, as AI-generated content could pull advertising and subscription revenue away from the original creators.

"Right now, Big Tech and AI companies are using publishers' own content against them, taking it without authorization or compensation to power AI products that pull advertising and subscription revenue away from the original creators of that content," said Danielle Coffey, President and CEO of the News/Media Alliance. "The news media industry is not anti-AI – many companies and creators use AI tools in their work. Rather, we seek a balanced ecosystem where AI is built responsibly."

This is not the first time publishers have spoken out against AI theft. In February, major UK newspapers ran a similar campaign, plastering their covers with the phrase "MAKE IT FAIR" to raise awareness about the issue. The Support Responsible AI campaign has garnered support from a wide range of publishers, including The Atlantic, Seattle Times, Tampa Bay Times, Wired publisher Condé Nast, and Politico owner Axel Springer.

The implications of AI theft go beyond the publishing industry, as it raises important questions about intellectual property rights and fair compensation in the digital age. As AI technology continues to evolve, it is essential that policymakers and industry leaders work together to establish clear guidelines and regulations that protect creators and promote responsible innovation.

The Support Responsible AI campaign is a crucial step in this direction, as it brings attention to the issue and encourages citizens to take action. By demanding that Big Tech companies fairly compensate creators for their work, the campaign aims to promote a more equitable and sustainable digital ecosystem. As the AI landscape continues to shift, it will be important to monitor the campaign's progress and its impact on the industry.