Jack Thorne warns some scriptwriters use AI to "cheat," calls for laws against undisclosed AI use

Concerns Over AI Misuse in Scriptwriting

Jack Thorne, a notable British screen and stage writer, has voiced concerns about the misuse of AI within his profession. He stated that some writers are employing AI as a substitute for genuine writing effort, which he characterizes as "cheating" their employers and fellow writers. Thorne clarified that his concern is not with AI used for assistance, such as spell-checking or layout, but with its use as a complete replacement for creative endeavor.

Call for Legal and Industry Action

Thorne, who serves as president of the Writers' Guild of Great Britain, is advocating for legal measures to prohibit the undisclosed use of AI in script generation. He believes that passing off AI-generated work as one's own should be unlawful and treated as fraud, entitling companies to prosecute offenders. He suggested that the consequences for such actions should be significant, comparable to expulsion from university for using AI in essays.

Impact on Copyright and Professional Standards

Thorne also criticized government inaction regarding the mass-scraping of creative material by AI models for training purposes, lamenting a failure to protect writers' copyright. He warned that if writers are perceived as the problem due to AI misuse, it could give studios and streamers an excuse to handle content as they wish. He urged broadcasters like the BBC and Channel 4 to threaten sanctions against those found using AI to generate their work without disclosure, emphasizing its importance for protecting vulnerable writers.