CRIMINAL LIABILITY OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ON COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT IN NIGERIA: AN OVERVIEW

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence has become a new phenomenon that has found its way deep into intellectual property, particularly in copyright. The autonomous nature of artificial intelligence (AI) allows it to generate new creative works from existing original works. The lines between artificial intelligence and copyright have been blurred resulting to incidents of infringement in Nigeria without adequate legal and regulatory framework to address the challenges and liability of AI-based copyright issues. The paper adopted a doctrinal methodology, data obtained through primary and secondary sources will be analysed through descriptive and analytical approach. This paper found that the legislations across Nigeria have not adequately address the issue of AI-based copyright infringement The paper concluded by establishing a need for provisions regulating artificial intelligence under copyright laws. Based on this, the paper recommended strict liability for AI systems and secondary liability for third parties such as users involved in the infringement. Furthermore, implementation of licenses that will ensure legal authorization from copyright holders must be obtained. Additionally, it is important to revise the current copyright legislations to adapt to and provide for AI based output and infringement.