Can Copyright Laws Keep Up with Technological Advancements?
On June 30, the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet held a hearing. Titled “A Midlife Crisis? IP and the Internet After 40,” the hearing assessed whether U.S. copyright and digital protection laws have kept pace with online piracy and unauthorized AI-generated replicas. Chaired by Rep. Darrell Issa, the session reflected sustained bipartisan interest in reforming the 1998 Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Many lawmakers argue that is outdated for combating foreign piracy sites and addressing generative AI.
AI Copyright Issues Are Part of the Broader Affordability Crisis
Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet, Rep. Hank Johnson, delivered the opening remarks. Rep. Johnson framed AI-driven copyright issues within a broader affordability crisis. He argued that creators are losing income as AI companies use their work without consent, citing Georgia’s declining film production spending as evidence. Johnson contrasted everyday economic struggles—rising grocery and housing costs, expensive electronics—with the extreme wealth of tech billionaires like Zuckerberg, Musk, and Bezos. He linked data centers powering AI to rising utility costs burdening families.
Johnson called for compensating creators fairly, protecting workers, and ensuring AI’s benefits are shared broadly rather than concentrated among powerful corporations.
AI and Unauthorized Digital Likenesses
Six witnesses offered differing perspectives. SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin pushed for stronger safeguards against unauthorized digital likenesses, arguing that opt-out systems don’t equal real consent. Entertainment representatives, including Amblin Entertainment’s Chris Floyd, favored strengthening existing enforcement tools rather than overhauling them. Meanwhile, tech industry voices, such as Chris Mohr of the Software & Information Industry Association, cautioned that overly aggressive rules could hamper legitimate AI innovation. An academic witness added perspective on copyright doctrine’s evolving legal challenges.
The NO FAKES Act
Two major legislative efforts featured prominently. The NO FAKES Act would create federal protections against unauthorized use of a person’s voice or likeness. It has already passed the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously. The proposed judicial site-blocking authority would let courts order ISPs to block foreign piracy websites. Several outside groups weighed in. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce backed tougher enforcement. Public Knowledge urged narrower, more targeted reforms rather than sweeping changes.
AI Copyright Issues and Online Piracy Battles Continue
No legislation was finalized at the hearing, but it signaled growing bipartisan momentum toward addressing AI-driven copyright issues and online piracy. Lawmakers continue to weigh how to protect creators’ rights without stifling AI development. Fair-use questions are largely left to the courts for now. Further congressional action on these proposals is expected in the coming months.