The Future of Copyright, Explained by Rintaro Takechi
Do you have proof that you were the first to write that text?
Now that AI can generate massive amounts of content and anyone can publish 'plausible-looking articles,' the 'origin' of creative works is becoming increasingly ambiguous. Your words are being plagiarized on platforms like note and social media, rewritten by AI, and monetized under someone else's name—that era has already begun.
In this article, Rintaro Takechi, an information engineer and AI ethics expert, examines what copyright, as a 'breakwater for creativity,' should look like in the future. Using note as an example, he provides a practical explanation of how to visualize, prove, and deal with infringement, while proposing a reconstruction of the ethics of 'respecting human creativity.'
As an information engineer and an expert in AI ethics, I have explained 'information society rights,' such as intellectual property and privacy rights, on many occasions.
While the term 'copyright' is now widely known, it is surprisingly little understood that its mechanism is actually quite unique. First, let's briefly organize its characteristics.
What is copyright?
Copyright is a type of 'intellectual property right' alongside patent, trademark, and design rights, but it has features that are decisively different from other rights.
The biggest difference is that it is a right that 'arises naturally without the need for application.' For example, patent rights are based on an 'application system' where they only become effective after filing with a government agency, examination, and registration, but copyright is not like that.
Copyright arises automatically the moment a 'creative expression' is born. Whether it is text handwritten on paper, a poem spoken aloud, text typed into Word, or an article posted on note, copyright is established the moment the information takes a concrete form.
This is because words are at the forefront of human thought and emotion, and since they are the essential starting point for creative acts, protection requires immediacy and flexibility.
The problem of 'harm' that is difficult to visualize
While copyright is a convenient mechanism that arises immediately, it creates a dilemma in the internet society.
For example, there is no end to cases where text posted on social media or note is reprinted without permission by others, or processed and plagiarized by generative AI.
However, there are still no sufficient means for general users to objectively prove 'when,' 'to whom,' and 'how' copyright infringement occurred.
On note, the change history of an article is only visible to the author. Therefore, even if a user accused of copyright infringement 'secretly edits' their article later, it looks to outsiders as if 'there was no problem from the beginning.' The lack of visibility of evidence itself creates new harm.
Three directions to support the future of copyright
To solve these problems, we need to redesign the technical and cultural protection systems for copyright. I believe the following three directions are key.
1. Strengthening visualization and transparency
Platforms are required to explicitly state the preservation and disclosure of change history, and to introduce features such as diff displays or snapshots at the time of publication when necessary. We need an environment where users themselves can have the means to protect their own creative works.
2. Automation of evidence preservation
It is urgent to develop systems that utilize AI and blockchain technology to automatically record the date, time, and content of when content was first published. Such mechanisms will serve as powerful evidence in copyright disputes.
3. Re-education of creator ethics
In addition to technical protection, it is important for society as a whole to reaffirm the cultural awareness of 'respecting human creativity.' Copyright is not only a law, but also an ethical foundation that supports culture and human dignity.
The current state of frequent copyright issues on note
In recent years, the following types of issues have been increasing on note:
・Selling copies of other people's articles without permission
・Rewriting text using generative AI and publishing it as one's own work
・Using other people's manuscripts as scripts for YouTube commentary
Such actions are clearly copyright infringement. There is no problem if you provide proper attribution and follow citation rules. For example, I welcome you to introduce my articles if you add a brief note such as, 'According to Rintaro Takechi—'. Regarding information with social significance, such as the bankruptcy risk of SBG, I would actually prefer it to be widely shared.
However, unauthorized reproduction and alteration are not 'freedom of speech'; they are acts that trample on the rights of others and are problems that cannot be ignored.
Practical responses when you are a victim of copyright infringement
If your note article is reproduced or plagiarized without permission, a calm and strategic response is important. Follow these steps to handle the situation.
(1) First, prioritize 'securing evidence'
If you feel your rights have been infringed, save the URL of the relevant article along with a full-page capture (PDF or scrolling image) at that time. Recording it on the Internet Archive or Web Gyotaku is also effective.
(2) Compare it with your original work
Organize which parts match and how they have been altered by placing them side-by-side with your original article. Clarifying this will serve as material when reporting or filing a lawsuit.
(3) Formally report it to note management
Report the issue along with evidence through the official note copyright infringement report form. Management is highly likely to hold internal logs, and in many cases, they will take action if a formal report is made.
(4) Consider legal action for malicious cases
In cases of repeated plagiarism or malicious cases for commercial purposes, you can consult a lawyer to consider disclosure requests or claims for damages.
What the perpetrator side should know
On note, there is a feature that allows the author to check the change history for the past 30 days, up to 100 items. However, if this is abused to attempt falsification or destruction of evidence, it is highly likely to be discovered through note's internal logs, which carries the risk of account suspension or legal liability.
As long as you are dealing with creative works, it is important to always confirm whether you are the 'copyright holder' and to follow the rules of citation.
Expectations and proposals for note management
note is currently a publicly traded company with Nikkei Inc. and Alphabet (Google)-affiliated funds among its shareholders.
I believe that features related to the 'foundation of human rights,' such as copyright, defamation, and privacy protection, are issues that concern the core of the platform.
Looking ahead, the following improvements are strongly desired for note:
・A feature that allows for the public disclosure of post change history within a certain range
・An automatic detection filter for plagiarism using AI
・A user dashboard that clearly shows the status of responses to reports
Creating an environment where users can create with peace of mind will become the standard by which the true value of note is judged.
Finally—Copyright as the 'ethical infrastructure' of the AI era
We have entered an era where AI generates text, creates images, and automatically edits videos. While the barrier to creation has certainly been lowered, we must not forget that the 'responsibility of creation' has also become diffused. That is precisely why I am convinced that the significance of copyright will become even greater.
Beyond copyright as a law, there is copyright as a culture. In other words, shouldn't we reconsider our attitude of 'showing respect for what humans have created'?
Creation is one of the most fundamental human activities. I believe that the system to protect its value is the 'ethical infrastructure' that will be essential for the society of the future.
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Rintaro Takechi