Swedish Cartoonists: SVT's AI Children's Programs Are Based on Stolen Material
Swedish cartoonists criticize SVT's use of AI-generated children's programming, claiming it uses plagiarized material and undermines human creativity.
In recent times, several AI-generated children's programs have been released on SVT Play, such as 'Teckna äventyret' and 'En zombies bekännelser.' The introduction of these programs has met with fierce criticism from cultural commentators and viewers alike, with some labeling the content as 'brain rot for young children' and expressing concerns over taxpayer money being used for what they see as inferior AI products. Critics argue that children are being used as 'experimental laboratories' for artificial intelligence technology.
The union Svenska Tecknare has also joined the fray, voicing its concerns over SVT's approach to content creation. Josefine Engström, the union's president, argues that it is problematic for SVT to replace human creativity with artificial intelligence, highlighting that most AI services available are built on appropriated or stolen material. Engström indicates that illustrators face double jeopardy due to SVT's policies, as they are not only losing their jobs but their creative works are also being used to develop these AI services.
In response, Petter Bragée, the program manager for children's programming at SVT, has defended the initiative, stating that they strive to maintain ethical standards in their use of AI in content creation. Bragée insists that only a small portion of SVT's programming is generated by AI, suggesting an attempt to reassure critics and maintain some level of traditional value in content aimed at children.