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Gordon-Levitt Leads Push for Artist Rights in AI Era

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. vitt-leads-push-for-artist-rights-in-ai-era.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Tuesday, February 3rd 2026 at 19:20 GMT by The Hill
      Locales: UNITED STATES, FRANCE

Washington D.C. - February 4th, 2026 - Actor and creative entrepreneur Joseph Gordon-Levitt is at the forefront of a growing movement to safeguard the rights of artists in the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. He's spearheading advocacy for Section 2119, a proposed amendment to U.S. copyright law designed to grant artists greater control over the use of their work in training AI models. The push comes amidst mounting concerns that unchecked AI development is poised to undermine the livelihoods and creative integrity of artists across all disciplines.

Gordon-Levitt, known for his role in films like Inception and 500 Days of Summer, has consistently championed the power of collaborative creativity. This passion extends to his work with HITRECORD.tv, an open-source production company fostering a global community of artists. HITRECORD.tv is now the driving force behind the 'Respect Artists' campaign, a multi-faceted initiative to build public and congressional support for Section 2119.

"AI isn't inherently good or bad," Gordon-Levitt stated in a recent interview. "It's a powerful tool, and like any tool, it can be used to build something amazing or to cause harm. Right now, the way many AI models are being trained--scraping the internet for copyrighted material without permission--feels like a violation of artists' rights. Section 2119 isn't about stopping AI development; it's about ensuring that AI development respects artists."

The core of Section 2119 centers around the principle of opt-out. Currently, many AI developers operate under the assumption that publicly available data is fair game for training their models. This practice, while legally ambiguous, has allowed for the creation of impressive AI systems capable of generating art, music, and text. However, it's also sparked outrage amongst artists who fear their styles and creations are being replicated without consent or compensation. Section 2119 would legally mandate that AI developers respect artists' wishes if they explicitly request their work not be used for AI training.

"Imagine spending years honing your craft, developing a unique style, only to see an AI mimic it perfectly and flood the market with derivative works," explains Mia Rubenson, CEO of HITRECORD.tv. "That's the reality many artists are facing. Section 2119 provides a critical safeguard against this by giving artists agency over their intellectual property."

The debate surrounding AI and copyright has intensified over the past year. Several lawsuits have been filed against AI companies, alleging copyright infringement. These legal battles highlight the urgent need for clear legal frameworks that address the unique challenges posed by AI. While the courts grapple with these issues, proponents of Section 2119 argue that proactive legislation is necessary to prevent further harm to the creative ecosystem.

Experts predict the impact of AI on the creative industries will be substantial. Some foresee widespread job displacement as AI tools automate tasks previously performed by human artists. Others believe AI will serve as a powerful collaborative tool, augmenting human creativity and opening up new avenues for artistic expression. Regardless of the ultimate outcome, there's a consensus that the current legal system is ill-equipped to handle the complexities of AI-generated content.

The 'Respect Artists' campaign isn't just focused on lobbying Congress. It also aims to educate the public about the implications of AI for artists and the importance of supporting policies that protect their rights. The campaign's website, [ https://respectartists.ai/ ], provides resources for artists and fans, including templates for contacting their representatives and information about Section 2119.

Several prominent artists and organizations have already voiced their support for Section 2119, including the Authors Guild, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), and numerous individual musicians, writers, and visual artists. The momentum behind the amendment is growing, but significant hurdles remain. Opponents argue that Section 2119 could stifle AI innovation and hinder the development of beneficial AI applications. They propose alternative solutions, such as collective licensing agreements, that would allow AI developers to use copyrighted material in exchange for royalties paid to artists.

Gordon-Levitt remains optimistic. "This isn't just about protecting artists today; it's about shaping the future of creativity," he says. "We want to ensure that AI is a force for good, empowering artists and fostering innovation, not undermining their livelihoods and artistic expression. Section 2119 is a critical step in that direction." The coming months will be crucial as Congress considers the amendment and debates the future of AI and copyright.