As these legal battles continue, AI companies maintain that their actions fall under 'fair use' exceptions.

In the latter half of 2022, artists began mobilizing against the unauthorized use of their work to train AI image generators, leading to various lawsuits against major AI companies.

Within months of this initial awareness, lawsuits were filed against AI companies, alleging copyright infringement due to the use of artists' material without consent.

In response to these challenges, activists quickly formed organizations like the European Guild for Artificial Intelligence Regulation (EGAIR) to advocate for artists' rights in Europe.

Despite the efforts of activists, they face challenges in keeping the public informed about the implications of AI, which is crucial for maintaining public support for artists.

Activists are urged to call out unethical practices in the use of generative AI, emphasizing solidarity among creatives to resist the normalization of such technologies.

The European Union has approved the AI Act, which mandates that AI companies must obtain consent from rights holders before using their material for training and requires labeling of AI-generated content.

Eva Toorenent, representing EGAIR, encourages artists to understand their rights and utilize organizations that help them opt-out of AI training.

Despite concerns about AI's impact on art, Toorenent emphasizes the importance of continued human creativity, arguing that art reflects individual human experiences.

Francesco Archidiacono, EGAIR's founder, notes a shift in political and public attitudes towards copyright issues related to AI, with increased recognition of potential violations by AI companies.

As the negative impact of AI on artists became evident, many sought solutions to combat generative AI's encroachment on their work.

Notable legal cases include a group of artists suing companies for using Stable Diffusion in the US and Getty Images' lawsuit against Stability AI in the UK.