Journalists warn AI has improved copyright monitoring – ABU

Journalists warn that AI is already improving copyright monitoring

ABU’s legal manager warned journalists that it is now easier than ever to monitor unauthorised use of content.

Speaking at the Asian Broadcasting Union (ABU) webinar on journalists’ copyright, Dr Seemantani Sharma said: “It is very easy to detect unauthorised use of content, so there is no reason why you should not seek permission from the copyright owner.”

Dr Seemantani cautioned journalists against assuming that online content is free to use. “Just because content is freely available online, just because you found it on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube or Facebook, doesn’t mean it’s not protected by copyright,” she said. “You almost always have to assume that the work is copyrighted.”

Identifying copyright holders can be difficult. “The copyright holder and the copyright owner are two different things,” Dr. Seemantani noted. She advised journalists to do their best to identify original content creators and seek their permission, even if they are difficult to find.

The media law expert also stressed that copyright protection covers a wide range of creative works that journalists come into contact with every day. “Copyright covers written works such as website articles, blogs, videos, pictures, music, drawings, paintings and even buildings.”

Dr. Seemantani provided journalists with a comprehensive overview of the legal situation regarding the use of content. “Copyright laws vary from country to country,” Dr. Seemantani stressed. He noted that while there are some broad international principles, the specific regulations “substantially vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.”

The webinar also discussed the concepts of “fair use” and “fair dealing,” legal exceptions that allow for limited use of copyrighted material without permission.

However, Dr. Seemantani warned that these exceptions are highly subjective and jurisdiction-specific.

To reduce risk, the webinar recommended that journalists use copyright-free sources whenever possible and provide proper attribution.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the webinar highlighted the importance of journalists being aware of and vigilant about copyright issues.