As part of our AI explained series, we explore the challenges and opportunities presented by AI. In this video we focus on the copyright issues in Singapore relating to AI navigating the legal landscape.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the ability to generate a wide range of creative outputs, from music and artwork to literature and software. But who owns the copyright when a machine creates the work? And how can AI avoid infringing on existing copyright? 

These are some of the key questions that Singapore, a global hub of technology and innovation, faces as it seeks to integrate AI into its creative and intellectual activity. Singapore has a stated aim and S$1 billion AI investment budget, but also needs to adapt its legal frameworks to address the challenges and opportunities of AI. 

In 2021, Singapore modified its copyright law by adding a computational data analytics (CDA) exception, which allows the use of copyrighted material for data analysis and machine learning, subject to certain conditions. This provision is designed to support data-driven innovation and to respond to the technological and market developments in the digital economy, a helpful tool for navigating some of the AI legal issues. However, the CDA exception is not a comprehensive solution.

There are still uncertainties and complexities surrounding AI and copyright which muddy the waters. For instance, the current definition of authorship under the Copyright Act implies human authorship, which poses difficulties for AI-generated works. There are also potential disputes over the originality or similarity of AI-generated works and the applicability of fair dealing exceptions. 

Singapore's Intellectual Property Office is proactively engaging the public and commissioning studies to explore the implications of AI on copyright law. These efforts seek to strike a balance between encouraging innovation and protecting intellectual property rights - one does not simply make the law with the stroke of a pen as multi stakeholders are involved. Singapore also seeks the benefits of collaborating with other jurisdictions to harmonize regulations and share best practices - a whole host of celebrities are speaking in Singapore next month at a technology and law conference on how technology and law are developing. 

As AI continues to evolve, it is imperative for legal frameworks to adapt and provide clarity on the rules of authorship, ownership and infringement. By proactively addressing these challenges through legislation, policy guidelines and international cooperation, Singapore hopes to foster an environment that supports its innovation while respecting the rights of creators.