Signals as opposed to legal contracts are worthless

[LonMcGregor]

The proposals as given are intended to be signals and the proposals indicate that they are not law, specifically this paragraph:

CC signals are designed as global tools, which means they operate across legal systems that work differently. In the context of machine reuse, copyright law is limited, uncertain, and inconsistent across jurisdictions. As a result, applying a CC signal is likely to have a different legal effect depending on who applies it and in what context.
Where copyright exists and is applicable, CC signals are intended to leverage the power of copyright without increasing its power.
This is not about creating new property rights; it is more like defining manners for machines.

However, this is precisely why having a legally defined contract is important. There needs to be a push back against this laissez-fair attitude from AI firms.

Having a CC contact that clearly puts the desires of the artist or author (whether that is one using the signals here or instead wishing that AI not be used for any purpose) is vital as this sends a much clearer message should any legal action take place than a "signal" which people may or may not choose to adhere to. Having a contract of terms which defines what can and cannot be done with a published work is vitally important because, as the above quoted paragraph identifies, current copyright law may not be enough.

As proposed, these cc signals are worthless, because there is absolutely no reason for anyone to adhere to them, and it feels as though creative commons is rolling over and giving in to AI firms rather than fighting for creative rights.

[cadadr]

What they are creating is yet another excuse and workaround for all these plagiarism&plunder corps. "Oh, but you didn't have this five or ten letter string in this particular file at this particular path, so you actually consented (without knowing)! What, you didn't know you were a 'content steward'? You don't know what it even is? Too bad, go on, sue some of the largest wealthiest entities on earth!"

[CC-signals]

Thanks for raising this question! We have created a new FAQ response to address it. We hope this helps to explain why we don't think contract law is the best solution to the challenges we're facing.