Technology

Only 7% of authors have given permission for AI to be trained on their works

Published

1 month ago

December 4, 2024

The survey, of 13,574 members of ALCS highlighted the lack of transparency that surrounds generative AI models.

LONDON, Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society (ALCS) has found in a recent survey of its members that only 7% of authors who know that their work has been used to train AI had given permission. Furthermore, over three-quarters (77%) of authors do not know if their work has been used to train AI models.

The survey, conducted between June and August of this year, was completed by 13,574 members of ALCS and highlighted the lack of transparency that surrounds generative AI models, such as ChatGPT.

The survey revealed that authors are aligned with the key themes of choice, recognition, transparency, and remuneration developed by the ALCS in 2023 and make clear the need for licensing options that fairly compensate writers for the use of their work in training AI models.

Choice

The report highlights that authors are not completely opposed to their works being used to train AI models – but only if they received fair compensation, were appropriately credited, and their permission was asked.

Findings include:

91% of writers feel that they should be asked for permission to use their works.96% of writers would want remuneration from AI if their works have been used.87% want to be credited when their works are used by AI.92% of respondents said that they would want to receive compensation for any historic use of their work by AI.

Transparency

The lack of clarity around AI systems is a further issue for authors. Alongside the report finding that 77% of authors do not know if their work has been used to train AI models, it further found that:

71% of the writers surveyed were concerned about their works being used to train AI.71% of writers or their representatives were concerned about AI platforms ‘copying or mimicking’ the style of their writing.

Collective Licensing

Respondents were supportive of finding a licensing agreement that would enable them to benefit from the use of their works to train AI systems:

81% said that they would be happy to support a licence if ALCS was able to secure one.72% of members would expect to have the ability to opt-out of any licensing schemes that are put in place.

ALCS CEO Barbara Hayes says of the report: “The findings of our survey confirm much of what we already believed about writers’ attitudes to the lack of remuneration and choice. But what also became clear is that writers are often in the dark about what is happening to their works, and subsequently they don’t know how to feel about it. They have a lot of questions: How do we find out what has been used? How will any remuneration work? How will AI affect the careers of authors?

“It is our belief that licensing offers the best solution for ensuring authors are recognised and fairly compensated for the use of their work in AI systems, if that is what they choose to do.”

ALCS Chair, author, and tech philosopher Tom Chatfield adds: “Behind these statistics lies a fundamental imbalance in how creative work is valued and respected in an algorithmic age. While tech companies rush to train ever-larger systems on vast libraries of human-made content, its creators are neither consulted nor compensated.

“Yet what’s striking about the ALCS survey isn’t just writers’ concerns – it’s their readiness to engage with solutions. Some 81% of respondents would participate in a licensing framework for future uses of their work. Writers aren’t against technological progress. They’re opposed to exploitation, alongside the confusions and category errors that a lack of transparency breeds.”

Find a full copy of the report: www.alcs.co.uk/AI

ABOUT ALCS

ALCS is a not-for-profit organisation started by writers for the benefit of all types of writers. Owned by its members, ALCS collects money due for secondary uses of writers’ work. It is designed to support authors and their creativity; ensure they receive fair payment and see their rights are respected. It promotes and teaches the principles of copyright and campaigns for a fair deal. It represents over 125,000 members, and since 1977 has paid over £700million to writers.

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Technology

LANDI Global Unveils Flagship Cx20: Elevating business efficiency and customer experience with a next-generation Windows-powered terminal

Published

21 minutes ago

January 11, 2025

SINGAPORE, Jan. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — LANDI Global proudly announces the launch of the Cx20 terminal, our flagship next-generation smart Windows Desktop POS.

Engineered for businesses that seek advanced technology and refined design, the Cx20 delivers top-tier performance with seamless compatibility. This powerful Desktop POS empowers users to handle even the most challenging tasks with confidence, making it ideal for demanding environments.

Innovation driven by market needs

The Cx20 is designed to meet the growing global demand for Windows-based Desktop POS.

With a large Windows-installed base still in use and the end of support for Windows 10, many businesses are seeking an easy migration path to Windows 11-compatible POS solutions. The Cx20 integrates seamlessly with existing Windows-based applications and back-end systems, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum compatibility.

Build for Business Demand

The Cx20 is built to meet the demands of businesses with its powerful performance, robust connectivity, and user-friendly design.

Equipped with advanced industrial control chips, running on Windows 11 IoT LTSC, the Cx20 benefits from Microsoft’s long-term support of up to 10 years+, delivering consistent performance for high-demand workloads and efficient multitasking.

Connectivity is seamless, with Wi-Fi 6e and 1000M Ethernet support, ensuring constant, reliable connectivity essential for uninterrupted business operations.

Its 15.6″ IPS with 1920×1080 resolution, multi-touch display ensures crystal-clear visuals and an intuitive user experience.

Outstanding performance and customer benefit

The Cx20 is powered by a Hexa-core Intel® i3-1215U processor, reaching speeds up to 4.4GHz. With compatibility for Windows 11 IoT, it excels at handling high-demand workloads and multitasking, making it the ideal POS solution for businesses.

Memory options range from 8GB + 256GB as a base, ensuring versatility to meet various operational needs while maintaining a seamless experience for complex tasks. The Cx20 is equipped with an integrated 80mm thermal printer featuring auto-cutter technology, ensuring efficient printing, and LANDI’s patented auto-recovery technology automatically resolves paper jams for uninterrupted service.

Distinct competitive advantages

The Cx20 stands out with its perfect blend of cutting-edge design and high-performance functionality.

Equipped with the latest Intel® processors and generous memory options, it delivers smooth operation and efficient multitasking, making it ideal for demanding retail and hospitality environments.

Cx20 features an ultra-slim triangular base for added stability and a sleek profile. With a body thickness of 4mm and a screen thickness of 8mm, it combines state-of-the-art technology.

Visit LANDI Global for more information!

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SOURCE LANDI Global

Technology

CSI Companies Acquires MedSys Group, Expanding Healthcare IT Services

Published

21 minutes ago

January 11, 2025

CSI Companies, a leading provider of staffing, consulting, and workforce management services across the Healthcare IT industry, acquired MedSys Group, a premier Healthcare IT consulting firm based in Plano, Texas. This strategic acquisition will significantly enhance CSI’s capabilities in the Healthcare IT market, providing comprehensive solutions to a wider range of clients.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Jan. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — CSI Companies, a leading provider of staffing, consulting, and workforce management services across the Healthcare IT industry, acquired MedSys Group, a premier Healthcare IT consulting firm based in Plano, Texas. This strategic acquisition will significantly enhance CSI’s capabilities in the Healthcare IT market, providing comprehensive solutions to a wider range of clients.

“We are thrilled to welcome MedSys Group to the CSI family,” said Chris Flakus, CEO at CSI Companies. “This acquisition bridges the gap in healthcare organizations and provides our clients with the right tools and strategies to increase operational efficiencies and the quality of patient care.”

MedSys Group brings extensive expertise in Healthcare IT consulting, implementation, and support. Together, the combined entity will offer a more robust suite of solutions, including enhanced consulting, expanded implementation services, and comprehensive support. These offerings will provide strategic guidance, optimize operations, ensure seamless system integration, and improve proactive maintenance and issue resolution.

This acquisition aligns with CSI Companies’ strategic vision to bring innovative solutions that drive healthcare organizations forward. By combining the strengths of CSI Companies with MedSys Group, service delivery for our healthcare IT clients will be even greater.

“We are thrilled to welcome MedSys Group to the CSI family,” said Chris Flakus, CEO at CSI Companies.

“This acquisition bridges the gap in healthcare organizations and provides our clients with the right tools and strategies to increase operational efficiencies and the quality of patient care.”

Alan Kravitz, CEO at MedSys Group, added, “This unification will enable us to offer our clients a broader range of services and resources. We share a common commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction, making this a natural fit.”

About CSI Companies

CSI Companies is a leading workforce solutions provider headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. Founded in 1994, CSI Companies has expanded over the years to include a comprehensive range of services for diverse healthcare organizations. CSI Companies was acquired by Recruit Holdings in 2010, one of the world’s largest providers of HR services and the parent company of Indeed and Glassdoor. As a boutique division of Recruit, CSI has the resources necessary to scale with any enterprise, yet is small enough to maintain the agility, personal service, and remarkable experience it’s become known for since its founding.

About MedSys Group

Founded in 1995, MedSys Group is a leading Healthcare IT consulting firm driven by a passion for improving patient care. Specializing in solving complex healthcare IT challenges and aligning optimal solutions between organizations, patients, and communities, Medsys is dedicated to closing the gaps between IT systems and patient care. The team at Medsys Group defines its success by the success of its clients, fostering strong relationships, and partnering with some of the nation’s top healthcare companies.

Shared Values

Both CSI Companies and MedSys Group share a strong commitment to:

Customer Focus: Delivering exceptional value and exceeding client expectations.Innovation: Embracing cutting-edge solutions to drive business growth.Collaboration: Fostering strong partnerships with clients and employees.Excellence: Striving for the highest standards of quality and service.

To learn more visit CSICOMPANIES.COM

Media Contact Information

Samantha Sotter

Director of Marketing

ssotter@csicompanies.com

904.930.4388

Media Contact

Naomi Fraser, CSI Companies, 1 904.930.4388, nfraser@csicompanies.com, https://csicompanies.com/

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SOURCE CSI Companies

Technology

Thinkpal learning tablet from Think Academy wins TechRadar Pro Picks and Trusted Reviews Best in Show awards at CES 2025

Published

1 hour ago

January 11, 2025

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Think Academy debuted its Thinkpal tablet at CES 2025 and has won a TechRadar Pro Picks and Trusted Reviews Best in Show awards for this innovative new product.

Both awards are given to innovative products and solutions at CES that stand out from a packed crowd. Think Academy President, Alex Peng, was presented the awards at CES, noting the awards were given to Thinkpal because it is both a wholly unique product in the education technology market and also provides such value to parents and educators.

Designed to transform the way kids learn, explore, and thrive in an ever-evolving world, the Thinkpal is powered by cutting-edge AI that serves as a guide and tutor for young learners. With significant learning loss experienced in recent years, families and educators have faced unprecedented challenges as test scores in reading and math have seen steady declines. Parents have expressed their struggles in reigniting their children’s passion for learning, while educators grapple with the complexities of bridging diverse learning gaps.

To meet these challenges, the Thinkpal tablet offers a tailored, AI-powered solution that provides step-by-step writing guidance and real-time math support, making learning more intuitive and enjoyable.

Alex Peng introduced several key features of the Thinkpal during a press event. He showed the audience how Thinkpal’s “GeniusTutor,” an AI-powered system that transforms learning into an interactive and engaging experience, is the heart of this product’s features. Built on the Microsoft Azure OpenAI GPT-4o model, GeniusTutor provides real-time guidance and feedback, empowering students to:

Conquer complex math problems through logic-driven, step-by-step explanationsMaster writing with interactive prompts and instant feedback that build confidence and creativityEnhance vocabulary and reading skills with innovative tools like “Point-and-Discover,” where children can point to words in a physical book, and the tablet’s camera instantly provides explanations, along with guided reading exercises

Adding a touch of fun and companionship, “Thinkie,” an advanced AI-powered learning companion, engages children through voice-based natural language interactions. Thinkie chats, answers questions, and fosters curiosity, making the learning process enjoyable and dynamic.

With an extensive library of ebooks, gamified coursework, and compatibility with popular applications like Google Classroom, the Thinkpal Tablet is a versatile tool for modern families. The 11-inch TÜV Rheinland-certified eye-care screen also safeguards children’s vision during extended use, while the optional keyboard transforms the tablet into a Chromebook-like device, enhancing productivity and usability.

“Our mission is to provide every child with a personalized, world-class tutor that inspires confidence and a lifelong love for learning”, noted Alex Peng during a media interview Q&A. “We’re honored that TechRadar and Trusted Reviews recognize the potential of the Thinkpal to improve learning through advanced and accessible technology.”

The Thinkpal Tablet will be available for $249 ($339 including keyboard) at shop.thethinkacademy.com. Pre-orders open today.

About Think Academy

Think Academy, a subsidiary of TAL Education Group (NYSE: TAL), has been at the forefront of education innovation for over two decades. Serving more than 5 million K-12 students across 10+ countries, Think Academy is dedicated to creating fair and comprehensive educational opportunities. By integrating advanced technology with expert curriculum design, Think Academy is shaping the future of learning to be more accessible, engaging, and impactful.

For media inquiries, contact:
Cecilia Qian
cecilia@impact5r.com

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SOURCE Think Academy