In a twist that seems straight out of a science fiction novel, Chinese web novel authors are up in arms over a controversial “AI Agreement” introduced by Tomato Novel, a popular online literature platform. The agreement, which many authors unwittingly signed, grants the platform permission to use their works for AI training purposes. This has sparked a fierce debate about intellectual property rights, creative control, and the looming threat of AI in the world of online literature.
The Tomato Novel Controversy
Tomato Novel, backed by Chinese tech giant ByteDance, is one of the largest online literature platforms in China, boasting a monthly active user base of 192 million as of December 2023. The platform’s success can be attributed to its innovative free-reading model and the massive traffic it receives from ByteDance’s other platforms, such as Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok).
However, the platform’s recent introduction of an “AI Training Supplementary Agreement” has caused an uproar among its authors. The agreement, which many authors signed without realizing its implications, allows Tomato Novel to use their works as data for training AI models for content development.
Authors Discover Their Works in AI Software
The controversy came to light when authors discovered that their works, including unpublished drafts and outlines, were being used by Douban, an AI software also owned by ByteDance. Authors were able to obtain summaries and outlines of their published and unpublished works through conversations with the AI, raising concerns about privacy and intellectual property rights.
In response to the outcry, ByteDance has stated that Douban and WPS (a popular Chinese word processing software) have not collaborated on AI training and that no private user data has been used. The company claims that Douban’s responses to author inquiries are based on publicly available search results and do not constitute a misappropriation of information.
The Threat of AI in Creative Industries
The Tomato Novel controversy has brought to the forefront the growing concerns about the impact of AI on creative industries. Many authors fear that AI-generated content could eventually replace human-created works, particularly in the lower tiers of the online literature market.
While some authors believe that AI-generated works are unlikely to completely replace human creativity, they acknowledge that AI-assisted works, refined by human editors, could significantly squeeze the living space for original content creators.
Authors’ Resistance and Challenges
In response to the perceived threat of AI, Chinese web novel authors have taken various forms of action. Some have called for a mass exodus from Tomato Novel, while others have proposed a “strike” by halting updates to their works. More creative approaches include attempts to “teach the AI wrong” by producing large volumes of low-quality, garbled content to lower the quality of the AI’s training data.
However, leaving Tomato Novel is easier said than done for many authors. The platform’s immense traffic and revenue-generating potential make it difficult for authors to abandon, as it remains one of the primary channels for online literature in China.
The Future of AI and Creative Industries
The Tomato Novel controversy is just one example of the growing tension between AI and human creators in various industries. As AI becomes increasingly sophisticated, questions about intellectual property rights, creative control, and the role of human creativity in the age of artificial intelligence will only become more pressing.
For now, the battle between Chinese web novel authors and Tomato Novel’s AI agreement serves as a cautionary tale and a catalyst for broader discussions about the future of creative industries in an AI-driven world. As the dust settles on this particular controversy, it remains to be seen whether it will serve as a wake-up call or a blueprint for other platforms seeking to leverage AI in the creative realm.
One thing is certain: the war between AI and human creators has only just begun, and its outcome will have far-reaching implications for the future of art, literature, and entertainment.
References:
The Whirlwind of Wahaha: Zong Fuli’s Resignation and the Future of a Chinese Beverage Giant
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Crusbro: Unlocking the Treasure of Enterprise Knowledge with AI-Powered Enterprise Knowledge Management
The AI Revolution in China: Unveiling the Astonishing Progress and Societal Impact
The Curious Case of the Forgotten VIP Passengers: A Comical Tale of Airport Misadventures
Amar Yousif Sparks a Football Frenzy in China
The Tao Te Ching – Chapter 25
China’s 985 Project: A Glimpse into the Nation’s Top Universities
The Curious Case of the Forgotten VIP Passengers: A Comical Tale of Airport Misadventures
The Chinese Response to the Phrase “City不City” Coined by Western Tourists
Jiang Ping’s Rise Sparks Debate and Reflection in China
The Rise of a Math Prodigy: Jiang Ping’s Controversial Journey from Vocational School to Global Math Competition
the Felicity Hughes Case Sparks Online Frenzy in China
Huawei’s Future in the Automotive Industry After Selling “AITO” Brand to Seres
Five must visit tourist attractions in Hangzhou: low-key content, have you experienced it?
China’s “Singer 2024” Is Sparking a Revolution in the Music Industry
Chinese Consumers Accuse Luxury Brand LV of Discriminatory After-Sales Policies
China’s Automotive Industry: Navigating the “Juàn” Phenomenon
The 102-Year-Old Yao Healer: A Beacon of Hope in China’s Remote Mountains
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The Ice Cups in China: A New Summer Trend or a Fleeting Fad?
Ningde Times (CATL): Alleged 896 Work Schedule and 100-Day “Struggle” Campaign Sparks Controversy
The Harsh Reality JD.com’s Mass Layoffs: Employees Speak Out
Chinese Consumers Accuse Luxury Brand LV of Discriminatory After-Sales Policies
Chinese Steamed Buns Steal the Show at French Bread Festival!
BYD’s 5th Generation DM Technology: A Chinese Perspective on the Future of the Automotive Industry
China’s Low-Altitude Economy Soars to New Heights: A Glimpse into the Future of Aviation
Chinese Netizens Amused as Celebrities Collide at Cannes
Shanghai’s Top Universities in 2024
Wow, I had no idea that the AI revolution was causing such a stir in the Chinese web novel industry! It’s like a real-life Black Mirror episode unfolding before our eyes.
As someone who enjoys reading web novels, I find this whole situation fascinating. It raises so many questions about the future of creative industries and the role of AI in art and literature.
I can totally understand why the authors are upset. Imagine pouring your heart and soul into a novel, only to find out that it’s being used to train an AI without your consent. It’s a real violation of trust and intellectual property rights.
I’m curious to see how this whole thing plays out. Will the authors’ resistance be enough to force Tomato Novel to change its practices? Or will the allure of AI-generated content prove too strong for the platform to resist?
It’s a bit ironic that the very technology that’s supposed to help us be more creative and efficient is now being seen as a threat to human creativity. It just goes to show that there are always unintended consequences to these kinds of technological advancements.
I have to admit, I’m a bit skeptical about the idea of ‘teaching the AI wrong’ by feeding it low-quality content. Wouldn’t that just result in a bunch of garbled, nonsensical output? It seems like a bit of a long shot.
The whole situation reminds me a bit of the controversy surrounding OpenAI’s use of Scarlett Johansson’s voice without her consent. It seems like these AI companies need to be held accountable for their use of people’s intellectual property.
I wonder if we’ll start seeing more legal battles over AI and intellectual property rights in the coming years. It feels like we’re in uncharted territory here, and the laws haven’t quite caught up with the technology yet.
As much as I sympathize with the authors, I also can’t help but be excited about the potential of AI in creative industries. Imagine a world where AI can help us generate new ideas, create stunning visuals, and push the boundaries of what’s possible in art and literature.
The fact that Tomato Novel is backed by ByteDance just adds another layer of intrigue to the whole situation. It’s like watching a high-stakes chess match between tech giants and creative professionals.
I’m curious to see how other online literature platforms respond to this controversy. Will they follow in Tomato Novel’s footsteps and start using AI to generate content? Or will they position themselves as champions of human creativity and originality?
At the end of the day, I think it’s important to remember that AI is just a tool. It’s up to us humans to decide how we want to use it and what kind of creative world we want to build with it.
I can’t help but wonder what the great writers of the past would have made of all this. Would they have embraced AI as a new frontier for creative expression? Or would they have seen it as a threat to the sanctity of the written word?
One thing’s for sure: the rise of AI in creative industries is going to be a wild ride. Buckle up, folks, because the future is coming faster than we think!