Introduction
GeoAI is a fictional technology company developing a generative AI model which produces digital artwork from text prompts. The company is preparing to release its new model, after a long development process. The new model is an image generation platform, able to take in input and generate images based on that input. Many investors are into the project, and with competitors getting close to releasing their product, GeoAI is hoping to launch as quickly as possible.
On GeoAI is Robert Rhea, who is a software engineer that’s been at the company for two years. Robert’s job is mainly to work on the core training model that is used to take in training data to make the model function better. Because Robert has been working on the model for a while, he understands the process behind it, but cannot change the project’s deadlines or requirements, as he reports to Piper, the project manager. Robert wonders if there are any concerns inside of the project, as often, management focuses on fast releases before competitors, not ethical or legal concerns.
Piper Chen is the project lead, the person who overlooks the entire project. Piper is often under stress, this is due to tight budget and time requirements from management as competitors get closer to finishing the model, as well as solving issues from other departments. Piper understands that there may be some concerns regarding the model itself, but focuses on finishing the project as soon as possible.
Iggy Brooks is another member of the development team, the senior lead. Iggy has been at the company for around a decade, and he has senior experience with AI models, and he helped to prototype and create the one used inside of GeoAI’s new image generation. Iggy believes that using publicly accessible data is not wrong, as many other companies already do it, and requesting permission or compensation for each piece of artwork would cause the company to fall behind.
Finally on the team is Emily White, who leads the ethical and legal department. Emily looks over the company's operations, and helps to find legal issues that could bring up concerns in the future. Once Emily finds an issue, her job is to find a solution to the problem and present it to management. Emily has been starting to notice some issues in the project, and believes artists should be credited for their work. However, like Robert, Emily does not directly have permission to modify the project