68 Singapore Writers Rally Against NLB’s Embrace of Generative AI: A Cultural Crisis?

In a bold move that has caught the attention of the entire literary community, 68 prominent writers from Singapore have united to criticize the National Library Board (NLB) for what they describe as an “uncritical endorsement” of generative AI technologies. The collective statement, released on January 7, 2024, emphasizes the urgent need for caution in the adoption of such technologies or risk “permanently damaging Singapore’s literary landscape.”

The NLB, in its efforts to innovate and engage the public, has introduced several programs centered around generative AI, including StoryGen – a prototype aimed at crafting immersive storytelling experiences in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS). However, the writers argue that the NLB’s enthusiasm for these initiatives could detract from traditional writing skills and undermine the very essence of literary creation.

A diverse group of signatories, including notable figures like Cultural Medallion recipient Haresh Sharma and Singapore Literature Prize winners Prasanthi Ram and Marylyn Tan, have called for the NLB to retract any insinuation that generative AI could replace traditional writing development. Furthermore, they advocate for the library to proactively educate the public about the limitations and ethical concerns associated with generative AI, particularly regarding its potential negative impact on intellectual property rights, a sentiment echoed throughout the statement.

Among the most alarming critiques was a pointed concern regarding an NLB event, "Children Write: Publish A Book With Gen-AI," designed for young participants aged seven to twelve. This initiative has raised eyebrows among the signatories, who argue that it perpetuates the misleading notion that generative AI can replace foundational writing skills, ultimately compromising the literary quality fostered in youth.

The dangers are not just confined to education; writers expressed fears over the sustainability of literature crafted with AI. Highlighting a stunning fact, the group noted that composing a single email with AI tools like ChatGPT can consume more than half a liter of water. This is seen as dangerously contradictory to the NLB’s sustainability efforts, prompting urgent calls for a reevaluation.

The intricacies of intellectual property and the potential for artistic theft loom large in the discourse surrounding generative AI. The statement asserts that the NLB’s promotion of AI technologies has occurred without sufficient warnings about ethical issues, effectively normalizing practices that could infringe upon writers' rights.

Notably, the literary community's concerns are heightened by the broader context of ongoing legal battles. OpenAI, the parent company of ChatGPT, has recently faced lawsuits from several authors and organizations for allegedly utilizing copyrighted material without authorization, a situation that has echoed through the writing community worldwide.

Moreover, numerous Singaporean authors, including the works of Balli Kaur Jaswal and Ovidia Yu, have been discovered in databases that catalog the intellectual property misappropriated to train similar AI systems, intensifying the urgency for a public dialogue.

The statement was formally addressed to high-ranking officials, including NLB chairman Lee Seow Hiang and Minister for Digital Development Josephine Teo, urging a consultation with literary professionals to navigate these pressing issues. As ongoing discussions unfold, the call for accountability and responsible AI usage in the literary arts resonates louder than ever.

As generative AI technologies gain traction within creative spaces, the literary community's resistance may serve as a pivotal moment in determining how these innovations will shape the future of storytelling—an issue that, if not handled with care, could threaten the very fabric of Singapore's rich literary heritage.