The Society of Authors (SoA) has launched a new survey to gauge the impact of and attitudes towards generative artificial intelligence (AI) and creative work.

The responses, collected from writers, illustrators and translators, will inform the SoA’s work on generative AI in 2024.

The questions cover attitudes towards using generative AI as part of the creative process and the copying of creative works to develop these systems. The aim is to collect qualitative and quantitative responses on the challenges and opportunities presented by new technologies, which will inform the SoA’s policy and advice work.

Generative AI refers to systems that are capable of generating entirely “new” content, including audio, image, video and text-based content. According to the SoA, this definition does not cover other AI tools such as those used for translation or autocompletion. These systems are developed by importing written and visual work, including books and images, raising concerns about copyright-protected works. 

The survey will stay open until 31st January 2024 and is open to both members and non-members of the SoA. All answers will be collected anonymously in line with the SoA’s privacy policy.