A recent survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Collibra has shed light on the increasing support among U.S. business leaders for a comprehensive overhaul of copyright laws to address the challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The study, which polled 307 U.S. adults in director-level positions or higher, found that an overwhelming 84% of data, privacy, and AI decision-makers are in favor of updating U.S. copyright laws to protect against AI.
Felix Van de Maele, the co-founder and CEO of Collibra, emphasized the importance of fairness in the evolving landscape of AI technology. He highlighted the need for content creators to receive transparency, protection, and compensation for their work, especially as AI tools and technologies continue to advance at a rapid pace.
The survey also revealed significant support for compensating individuals whose data is used to train AI models, with 81% of respondents backing the idea of Big Tech companies providing such compensation. This indicates a shifting perspective on the value of personal data in the era of AI.
In addition to copyright concerns, the survey highlighted the importance of AI governance in addressing privacy and security risks. Companies like Collibra are developing AI governance solutions to ensure that AI projects align with legal and privacy mandates, minimize data risks, and enhance model performance and return on investment.
As businesses prioritize AI training and upskilling, the future of work is likely to be shaped by the rapid advancement of AI technologies. Van de Maele outlined key priorities for AI governance in the United States, emphasizing the need to turn data into the biggest currency, create a trusted framework, prepare for the Year of Data Talent, and prioritize responsible access before responsible AI.
The survey also revealed a trust gap among respondents, with high confidence in their own companies’ AI direction but lower trust in government and Big Tech. This presents a challenge for policymakers and technology giants as they work to shape the future of AI regulation.
In the absence of comprehensive federal guidelines, states like Colorado have begun implementing their own AI regulations, setting a precedent for other states to follow. Larger firms are more likely to support federal and state regulations compared to smaller businesses, reflecting differences in available resources, time, and return on investment.
Overall, the survey findings underscore the importance of comprehensive governance strategies to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by AI technologies. As stakeholders collaborate to create a regulatory environment that fosters innovation while protecting individual rights and promoting ethical AI use, companies of all sizes will need to prioritize robust data governance and AI ethics to thrive in the evolving landscape.
