The article begins by drawing a parallel between Alaska’s Permanent Fund, which distributes oil revenues to Alaskans, and the current resource rush driven by generative AI. It highlights the reliance of AI companies on the writings and photos of individuals to train their models, which are then sold without compensating the data contributors.
The proposed solution, known as the AI Dividend, suggests a simple plan inspired by Alaska’s model. Big Tech companies would be required to pay a small licensing fee for generative AI output produced using public data. These fees would be collected in a fund and distributed equally to every resident nationwide.
The article emphasizes the need to avoid complicating the process by determining individual contributions to AI output. Instead, it proposes a universal approach where any AI model created using public data would require payment into the fund. This ensures that all Americans are rewarded for their data contributions.
Exemptions from fees would be provided to hobbyists and American small businesses, with Big Tech companies being the primary contributors. A compulsory licensing plan would be implemented to grant AI companies the right to use public data for training, while still respecting copyright laws.
The article provides an example of how the licensing fee could be applied, suggesting a small fee per word or pixel generated by AI. With the integration of generative AI into various products, these fees could result in an annual dividend payment of a couple hundred dollars per person.
While acknowledging the risks associated with AI, the article emphasizes that the proposed plan is not intended to stifle its development. It aims to ensure that all Americans can benefit from the technology’s advancements, as their contributions are integral to its success.
In conclusion, the article presents the concept of the AI Dividend as a means to compensate individuals for their data contributions to generative AI models. It advocates for a simple and universal approach that would distribute funds equally to all residents, while exempting hobbyists and small businesses from fees. The plan aligns with the future of generative AI while acknowledging the need for potential policy developments to address any harms that may arise.
Key points:
1. The AI Dividend proposes compensating individuals for their data contributions to generative AI models.
2. Big Tech companies would pay a licensing fee for generative AI output produced using public data.
3. The fees collected would be distributed equally to every resident nationwide.
4. Hobbyists and American small businesses would be exempt from fees, while Big Tech companies would contribute based on their revenue.
5. A compulsory licensing plan would grant AI companies the right to use public data while respecting copyright laws.