Discussions about how to use artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize factory productivity, manage traffic flow and in healthcare abound in Taiwan, given the nation’s importance in the field of technology. The topic of AI’s use in the creation of art has not yet been fully fleshed out in Taiwan, although the subject has been hotly debated globally due to concerns about copyrights, loss of creative control and misinformation.
An award-winning artwork by a Fu-Hsin Trade and Art School student last week prompted discussions on social media about whether it was generated by AI and on how the school handled the issue. A student from the school blew the whistle on the creator, saying that AI had been used to produce the vivid image of the mythical Chinese Monkey King. The image won the first prize in the digital drawing category of an art contest organized by the school to celebrate its 67th anniversary.
Fu-Hsin initially ignored the allegation and said the whistle-blower intended to taint the school’s reputation. However, painters and experts in AI-related fields have provided evidence on the painting’s composition and its misuse of perspective. The school revoked the prize after the student admitted to “accidentally” using AI in the process of producing the image, the school said in a statement on Facebook.
It is unimaginable that Fu-Hsin, a prestigious art school that is considered a cradle of art in Taiwan, would make such a mistake.
The creator of the painting apologized for contravening school rules, the statement said. Based on Fu-Hsin’s rules, students are required to sign an affidavit swearing that they have not used AI tools to create their works. The school did not apologize for its neglect in failing to detect the use of AI, but asked social media users to behave properly.
This incident highlighted that most Taiwanese schools, and art schools in particular, are not ready to embrace the AI era. They are struggling to cope with the rapid proliferation of AI applications. They cannot even solve the question of how to discern works generated by AI from those created by humans. Average social media users and painters easily got a sense that the winning image might have been generated by AI, but art experts such as the school’s instructors did not notice anything unusual.
Fu-Hsin’s case offers a glimpse into a society facing growing challenges related to AI. The rise of AI is dramatically changing all aspects of people’s lives. It does not make sense to forbid people from using it to generate text, images or videos. That would only limit creativity and hamper the development of all industries. Instead, people should discuss how best to regulate the use of AI and how to use it appropriately — as a tool or a paintbrush to create art or improve people’s lives, rather than a mastermind of algorithms or a generator of misinformation.
Earlier this year, the EU approved its AI Act, the first of its kind in the world, with the aim of providing AI developers and deployers with clear requirements and obligations regarding specific uses of AI. The measures would guarantee the safety and fundamental rights of people and businesses when it comes to AI, the EU said.
Taiwan began the process of formulating similar AI rules last year, but no details have been finalized. The nation needs to hurry up and finalize AI regulations to protect people’s privacy, security and rights.
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