Creative Commons licences and generative AI

November 17, 2023
Creative Commons (CC) is an international non-profit organisation with a mission to enable people to nurture and sustain a shared pool of knowledge and culture. This collective resource is vital to addressing global challenges and building a brighter future for all. In collaboration with a global community and diverse partners, capacity and infrastructure are developed, practical solutions are developed, and advocacy is undertaken to promote enhanced sharing practices marked by context sensitivity, inclusivity, justice, equity, reciprocity, and sustainability.

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Understanding CC licences and generative AI

Regarding Creative Commons licences and generative AI, there are several considerations and challenges due to the unique nature of AI-generated content. Generative AI refers to systems that use machine learning techniques, often deep learning, to create new content autonomously. Here are some key points to consider:

1.  Authorship and Attribution:
One of the fundamental principles of Creative Commons licences is attribution, giving credit to the original author. In the context of generative AI, determining the authorship can be challenging. If a human is involved in curating or guiding the AI's output, they may be considered the author, and a Creative Commons licence could be applied accordingly.

2. Human Intervention and Creative Control:
The level of human intervention in the generative process is crucial. If a human plays a significant role in shaping, selecting, or influencing AI-generated content, Creative Commons licences may be more applicable. However, if the AI operates independently with minimal human input, questions arise about the extent of human creative control.

3. Derivative Works and Transformative Use:
Creative Commons licences often address the creation of derivative works. Generative AI, by its nature, produces transformative content. The application of Creative Commons licences depends on the extent to which the generated content is considered a derivative work and how it aligns with the terms of the chosen licence.

4. License Compatibility with AI Output:
Creators using generative AI should carefully consider the compatibility of Creative Commons licences with the nature of AI-generated content. Some licences may be more suitable for content that evolves dynamically, while others may be more restrictive in the context of ongoing AI-generated output.

5. Dynamic and Evolving Nature of AI:
Generative AI systems are dynamic and can evolve. Creative Commons licences are typically static and may not account for the continuous evolution of AI-generated content. Creators may need to consider how to apply licences to content changes or evolve beyond its initial creation.

6. Ethical and Legal Implications:
Generative AI raises ethical questions, including issues of transparency, accountability, and fairness. Creators applying Creative Commons licences to AI-generated content should be aware of these ethical considerations, and legal frameworks may need to evolve to address the unique challenges posed by AI.

7. Community Standards and Best Practices:
The AI and creative communities actively discuss and develop standards and best practices for applying licences to generative AI output. Collaborative efforts are underway to establish guidelines that address the complexities of authorship, ownership, and licencing in the context of AI-generated content.

In summary, applying Creative Commons licences to generative AI content requires a thoughtful and nuanced approach. Creators should carefully assess the level of human involvement, the transformative nature of the content, and the compatibility of the chosen licence with the dynamic characteristics of AI-generated works. As the field of generative AI evolves, legal and ethical considerations will likely continue to shape discussions around applying Creative Commons licences to AI-created content.

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New doctoral dissertation
New doctoral dissertation
VILNIUS TECH Library invites you to follow the published new dissertations. The dissertation „Resistance of technological waste-modified concrete to freeze–thaw cycles and alkaline corrosion“  („Technologinėmis atliekomis modifikuoto betono atsparumas užšaldymo ir atšildymo ciklams bei šarminei korozijai“) prepared at VILNIUS TECH by Edvinas Pocius. The dissertation was prepared in 2021–2026. Scientific consultant – Prof. Dr Džigita Nagrockienė. The dissertation was defended at the public meeting of the Dissertation Defence Council of the Scientific Field of Materials Engineering in the Aula Doctoralis Meeting Hall of Vilnius Gediminas Technical University at 10 a.m. on 8 June 2026. The dissertation investigates concrete modified with glass processing waste, concrete sludge, and a crystallizing additive. The goal is to develop concrete that is resistant to freeze–thaw cycles and alkali–silica reaction (ASR) by replacing part of the cement with glass waste and sand with concrete sludge. By selecting the optimal amount of technological waste, the aim is to improve the basic properties of concrete while maintaining its resistance to freeze–thaw cycles and alkali–silica reaction. The tasks addressed in the work include the analysis of glass processing waste and concrete sludge, evaluating their impact on the properties of the cement paste. After determining the recommended waste content, the physical and mechanical properties of the modified concrete are investigated, focusing on resistance to freeze–thaw cycles and alkali–silica reaction. This research sequence aims to substantiate the basic properties and resistance to freeze–thaw cycles and alkali–silica reaction of the newly developed material. The dissertation consists of an introduction, three chapters, general conclusions, a list of references, a list of the author‘s scientific publications, and a summary in English. The Introduction discusses the research problem and relevance, describes the object of research, formulates the aim and tasks, and outlines the research methodology, scientific novelty, practical significance, and statements for defence. The First Chapter discusses active mineral substances, their formation and use in concrete production. It discusses the generation of concrete sludge and glass waste, as well as the impact of their use on the physical and mechanical properties and durability of concrete. The durability of waste-modified concrete and the assessment of carbon dioxide emissions are also described. Conclusions are formulated, and the objectives of the dissertation are refined at the end of the chapter. The Second Chapter presents the materials used, their properties, and their formation. It describes the research methods and equipment chosen to investigate the structure and properties of the concrete and to calculate its CO2 emissions. The Third Chapter substantiates recommended dosages of glass waste and concrete sludge and their effects on cementitious systems. Glass waste was found suitable for cement replacement, and dry sludge for fine aggregate. An environmental impact assessment was also performed. Five scientific articles were published on the dissertation topic in the Web of Science database, Science Citation Index Expanded, peer-reviewed publications with a citation index. Doctoral dissertation readers can search via VILNIUS TECH Virtual Library.
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