Patreon CEO Jack Conte has strongly criticised AI companies for using creators’ work to train models without compensation, calling their reliance on “fair use” a flawed and “bogus” argument.
Speaking at the SXSW conference in Austin, Conte acknowledged the rapid rise of AI but made it clear that innovation should not come at the expense of creators. Despite running a tech company himself, he argued that AI firms cannot justify using creative work freely while simultaneously paying large corporations for similar rights.
Conte pointed out the contradiction in how AI companies operate. While they claim it is legally acceptable to use publicly available content under fair use, many still sign multimillion-dollar licensing deals with major publishers and rights holders such as Disney, Condé Nast, Vox, and Warner Music.
“If it’s legal to just use it, why pay?” Conte questioned, highlighting the inconsistency. He argued that independent creators—illustrators, writers, and musicians—deserve the same level of compensation as large media organizations whose content is being used.
He framed AI as part of a broader cycle of technological disruption that creators have faced over the years, from the shift to music streaming to the rise of short-form video platforms. While such changes can disrupt existing business models, Conte remains optimistic about creators adapting and continuing to thrive.
Drawing from his own experience as a musician, he emphasized that change does not signal the end for creators but rather a need to evolve. However, he maintained that fairness must remain central to this transformation.
Conte clarified that his stance is not anti-AI or anti-technology. Instead, he supports innovation but believes that as AI becomes more powerful and central to the future, it must include fair compensation structures for those whose work fuels it.
He concluded by stressing the importance of supporting creativity in society, noting that cultures that value and reward artists ultimately benefit as a whole. While AI may reshape industries, Conte believes human creativity will continue to play a vital role in shaping culture and artistic expression.
