Getty Images has announced the launch of a generative AI art tool that promises to deliver commercially safer output. The tool, called Generative AI by Getty Images, is powered by an AI model provided by Nvidia and trained on a portion of Getty’s vast library of stock content. It works by rendering images from text descriptions or prompts provided by customers. The tool comes with Getty’s standard royalty-free license, which includes protection against copyright lawsuits and the right to perpetual, worldwide, nonexclusive use across all media.
Getty has implemented safeguards to prevent the tool from being used for disinformation or replicating the style of a living artist. For example, it won’t allow customers to create images of public figures in specific locations or imitate the style of famous artists. All images produced by the tool will contain a watermark to identify them as AI-generated.
Getty emphasizes that the content generated by the tool will not be added to its content library for licensing purposes. However, it reserves the right to retrain its model using those images. Compensation will be provided to Getty contributors whose works are used to train the AI generator, and revenues generated from the tool will be shared.
The tool can be accessed on Getty’s website or integrated into apps and websites through an API. In the future, customers will also be able to customize the tool with proprietary data to create images that align with their brand style or design language. Pricing for the tool will be separate from a standard Getty Images subscription and will be based on the volume of prompts.
Getty Images had been critical of generative AI products in the past and had even taken legal action against AI startup Stability AI for allegedly copying and processing its images without permission or compensation. The launch of its own generative AI tool demonstrates Getty’s commitment to addressing intellectual property rights and offering a responsible solution for commercial use.
Other companies in the industry, such as Bria, Shutterstock, and Adobe, are also exploring safer and more ethical approaches to generative AI. They are implementing compensation models for contributors and ensuring that proper licenses are obtained.
With this launch, Getty Images aims to enable brands and marketers to embrace AI while supporting creators and protecting intellectual property rights. The tool provides new creative possibilities while maintaining ethical standards and legal compliance.
Overall, Getty’s Generative AI tool represents a step forward in the development and utilization of AI technology in the creative industry. It offers a safer and responsible solution for generating AI art for commercial purposes, benefiting both customers and content creators.