ChatGPT and Midjourney are examples of what is called “generative” AI.
These programs learn from vast quantities of data, such as online text and images, to generate new content which feels like it has been made by a human.
So-called chatbots – like ChatGPT – can have text conversations.
Other AI programs like Midjourney can create images from simple text instructions.
Generative AI can also make videos and even produce music in the style of famous musicians.
But these programs sometimes generate inaccurate answers and images, and can reproduce the bias contained in their source material, such as sexism or racism.
Many artists, writers and performers have warned that such AIs allow others to exploit and imitate their work without payment.
The most recent people to add their names to these calls include Billie Eilish and Nicki Minaj, who are among 200 artists calling for the “predatory” use of AI in the music industry to be stopped.