Opt-outs are an ineffective governance mechanism. The structural problems with generative AI companies' business models — and the legal landscape that makes them possible — can't be solved by burdening individuals to withdraw their images one by one.
This is part of a pattern: generative AI relies on an extractive business model that routinely externalizes its costs.
The latest in the AI Snake Oil book blog by @sayashk and me: https://aisnakeoil.substack.com/p/artists-can-now-opt-out-of-generative
There are really few things on life that should be allowed to be opt-out, beyond early infancy.
Imagine a world where buying things, contracting services, join the military, marrying or having children were opt-out.
But as consumers, we are always being forced to it. And that's terrible.
