8 May 2025 | The (ab)use of AI generated images

The Schweizer Forum für Kommunikationsrecht / Forum Suisse pour le Droit de la Communication (SF-FS) and the University of Fribourg will be hosting a conference on 8 May 2025 at the University's cinema on AI generated images. I will be speaking about the copyright issues resulting from the training of an artificial intelligence with artists' works and the images generated with AI.

Image: Chat GPT, prompt and modifications Alfred Früh

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the way images are created, distributed, and perceived. From photorealistic visuals to abstract artistic creations, AI-generated images blur the lines between reality and fabrication, raising pressing questions about authenticity, copyright, and ethical use. This conference will bring together experts to examine the opportunities and risks associated with AI-generated imagery, particularly in journalism, media, and creative industries.

One key focus will be the legal and ethical challenges surrounding AI-generated images. In light of the pending lawsuits and early court decisions, the discussion will explore whether human authorship should remain a requirement for copyright protection and how AI training datasets, often built on existing works, impact the rights of original creators.

Another major issue is the role of AI in journalism and news reporting. AI-generated images are increasingly used to illustrate articles, raising concerns about source verification, audience trust, and misinformation. How can newsrooms ensure that AI-generated visuals do not mislead readers? Can readers distinguish between photorealistic and illustrative AI-generated images? And how do manipulated visuals affect journalism?

A panel discussion will examine the role of images in the digital democracy, how AI-generated images contribute to shaping public perception and the artistic and creative implications of synthetic visuals. Furthermore, the panel will discuss whether current legal frameworks are equipped to handle the flood of AI-generated content and focus on the evolving regulatory landscape in Switzerland.

At a time when AI-generated images become more prevalent across media and creative industries, this conference will offer a critical discussion on how to navigate their use responsibly. Join us for an in-depth exploration of the challenges and possibilities of AI-generated imagery.

Programme

13:45 Welcome of the participants

14:15 - 14:30 Opening Remarks

Prof. JACQUES DUBEY, Dean of the Law Faculty, University of Fribourg

14:30 - 14:50 Generative visual AI & Swiss journalism

Dr. SERAINA TARNUTZER, Postdoctoral researcher, Insitute for Digital Communication and Media innovation (IDCMI), University of Fribourg & FH Graubünden

14:50 - 15:10 AI generated art – legal certainties and uncertainties

Dr. ANNE LAURE BANDLE, Partner, Borel & Barbey, Lecturer, University of Fribourg

15:10 - 15:30

Dialogue TARNUTZER & BANDLE, followed by questions from the audience

15:30 - 16:00 Coffee break

16:00 - 17:00 Panel discussion

Chair: Prof. JULIA GELSHORN, Professor of the History of Modern and Contemporary Art, University of Fribourg, with:

Dr. NICOLAS GALLEY, Director of Studies, EMAMS, University of Zurich, Lecturer, University of Fribourg

Prof. EMMANUEL ALLOA, Professor of Aesthetics and Philosophy of Art,

University of Fribourg

PIERRE-ADRIAN IRLE, Executive director, Le Temps

SABRINA KONRAD, Attorney-at law,

Deputy Head Copyright Services, Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property

17:00 Closing remarks and apéro

Registration online: www.sf-fs.ch/de/veranstaltungen