Getty Images, the world’s largest photo agency, is suing an artificial intelligence (AI) art company in the United States for alleged copyright violations.
The lawsuit was filed on Tuesday in a federal court in New York against AI startup DeepNude LLC and its founder Alberto Guiotto. According to Getty Images, DeepNude has been using their copyrighted images without permission or authorization. The complaint alleges that DeepNude “has engaged in widespread infringement of Getty Images’ copyrights by reproducing, publicly displaying and distributing thousands of Getty Images photographs without authorization or license from Getty Images.”
DeepNude created software that uses AI technology to remove clothing from photos of women and create fake nude images. The app was released earlier this year but quickly removed after public outcry over its potential misuse as a tool for revenge porn. Despite being taken down, it is still available online through third-party websites where users can purchase access to the program.
In response to the lawsuit, DeepNude issued a statement saying they are “surprised by these accusations since we have always respected intellectual property rights and never used any image owned by someone else without prior consent.” They also said they are willing to work with Getty Images “to find an amicable solution” if necessary.
This isn’t the first time that companies have faced legal action over copyright infringement involving AI technology; last year Adobe Systems Incorporated sued another AI startup called Kite & Lightning for allegedly infringing on their patents related to 3D graphics rendering software used in video games and other applications. In addition, Google has been involved in several lawsuits regarding its use of machine learning algorithms which some argue violate copyright laws because they allow computers to generate content similar enough to existing works that it could be considered derivative material under U.S law .
Getty Image’s lawsuit against DeepNude marks yet another example of how companies are increasingly turning towards litigation when dealing with issues surrounding digital media rights management and copyright protection involving artificial intelligence technologies such as deepfakes or computer generated imagery (CGI). It remains unclear what kind of outcome this case will have but it certainly serves as a warning sign for other startups who may be considering using copyrighted materials without proper licensing agreements or permissions from original creators/owners .
As more businesses begin utilizing advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), there is growing concern about how these tools might be misused or abused when it comes to protecting intellectual property rights such as copyrights held by photographers , artists , musicians , authors etc.. Companies must take extra precautions when developing products based on such technologies so as not avoid any potential legal ramifications due improper usage . This case between Getty Images and Deep Nudes serves as an important reminder about why businesses should always seek out professional advice before launching new projects involving complex technological systems like those found within AI programs .
The Hill
