Chinese online novel writing platform Tomato Novel faced a backlash for proposing to use authors' works for AI training without proper consent or offering compensation.

Tomato Novel called for creators to sign up to a protocol which would have enabled the platform to train its generative AI tools based on their works. 

The protocol, which had no opt-out clause or payment terms, allowed the use of entire or partial works - including titles, summaries, outlines, chapters, characters, personal information, and cover images - for AI research, machine learning, model training, and algorithm development.

Critics argued that whilst the platform did seek to gain the permissions of authors to avoid copyright infringement, it failed to include any payment terms in return for the rights to train on their content. 

Some also expressed concerns that AI-generated content might compete with human-created works, potentially leading to a loss of copyright for the original text. Another concern raised was the risk of human work being unfairly labelled as “plagiarism” due to AI-generated content.

In response, Tomato Novel revised the protocol to allow creators to opt out if they had concerns. It also stated that the AI was intended to enhance writer research and efficiency.

The incident highlighted ongoing concerns about the ethical use of AI in creative industries and the need for consent and fair compensation when using human-created content for AI training.

It also raised concerns about the potential for generative AI to put authors and other creatives out of work.