Runway AI Accused of Illegally Using YouTube and Pirated Videos for Model Training

Thumbnail Image

The information displayed in the AIM should not be reported as representing the official views of the OECD or of its member countries.

Runway AI, a $1.5 billion startup, allegedly used over 100,000 YouTube videos and pirated content to train its Gen-3 Alpha model, violating YouTube's Terms of Service and potentially infringing on intellectual property rights. The data was reportedly gathered through a company-wide effort, raising ethical concerns about AI training practices.[AI generated]

Why's our monitor labelling this an incident or hazard?

The tool’s training on unlicensed YouTube channels and pirated media constitutes a breach of intellectual property rights, meeting the definition of an AI Incident under violations of IP law.[AI generated]
AI principles
AccountabilityPrivacy & data governanceTransparency & explainabilityRespect of human rights
Industries
Media, social platforms, and marketingArts, entertainment, and recreationIT infrastructure and hosting
Affected stakeholders
Business
Harm types
Economic/PropertyReputational
Business function:
Research and development
AI system task:
Content generation

Articles about this incident or hazard