Pippa Seedance becomes first artist to receive AI training royalties, but debate over consent continues
Summarized by AI from reporting by The Verge AI, published under our editorial policy.
Illustrator Pippa Seedance has become the first artist to receive royalties from an AI company for her work used to train models. While this sets a precedent for compensation, many artists remain skeptical, arguing that payment alone does not address the core issue of using their work without explicit permission.

Key takeaways
- Pippa Seedance is the first artist to receive royalties from an AI company for her work being used to train models.
- The agreement sets a precedent for how artists might be compensated in the future.
- Not all artists are convinced that paying royalties is a fair solution to the issue of using their work without permission.
Pippa Seedance, a prominent illustrator, has become the first artist to receive royalties from an AI company for her work being used to train its models. This move by the AI company marks a significant shift in how the tech industry is addressing the long-standing issue of using artists' work without permission. The debate over AI training data has been heated, with artists arguing that their work is being stolen, while AI advocates claim it's necessary for technological progress.
## The specifics of the agreement Pippa Seedance's agreement with the AI company includes a percentage of revenue generated from the AI models trained on her work. The exact terms of the deal have not been disclosed, but it sets a precedent for how artists might be compensated in the future. This is a rare example of an AI company proactively seeking to compensate artists, rather than using their work without consent.
## Why it matters to artists and the tech industry This agreement could potentially ease tensions between the tech and creative industries. For artists, it represents a step towards fair compensation and recognition of their work. For AI companies, it could help them avoid legal battles and build better relationships with the creative community. However, not all artists are convinced that this is a fair solution. Some argue that it's still a form of exploitation, as it doesn't fully address the issue of using their work without explicit permission.
## The broader implications The debate over AI training data is part of a larger conversation about intellectual property and fair compensation in the digital age. As AI continues to evolve, it's likely that we'll see more agreements like this one, as companies seek to balance the need for data with the rights of creators. This could lead to new standards and regulations for how AI models are trained, ensuring that artists and other creators are fairly compensated for their work.
## What artists can do now While this agreement is a positive step, it's important for artists to stay informed and advocate for their rights. Artists can join organizations that fight for fair compensation, such as the Illustrator's Guild, and participate in discussions about AI and intellectual property. They can also explore platforms that offer fair compensation for their work, such as DeviantArt's AI Training Data Program, which allows artists to opt-in to having their work used for AI training in exchange for compensation.
Frequently asked
- Is this the first time an AI company has paid an artist for using their work?
- Yes, Pippa Seedance is the first artist to receive royalties from an AI company for her work being used to train models.
- What can artists do to protect their work from being used without permission?
- Artists can join organizations that fight for fair compensation, such as the Illustrator's Guild, and participate in discussions about AI and intellectual property. They can also explore platforms that offer fair compensation for their work, such as DeviantArt's AI Training Data Program.