RSL Media Created to Set Human Consent Standards for AI Integration

Introduction

Cate Blanchett and Nikki Hexum have started RSL Media, a non-profit organization. Its goal is to give people a way to control how artificial intelligence systems use their creative work and personal identities.

Main Body

The project aims to fill a gap in regulations caused by the fast growth of generative AI. The main part of this effort is the 'human consent standard,' which lets users label AI permissions as 'allowed,' 'allowed with terms,' or 'prohibited.' This system expands the existing Really Simple Licensing (RSL) protocol, which was already used by over 1,500 organizations. Now, it will also cover personal details such as faces, voices, and trademarks. Several famous industry figures, including George Clooney and Meryl Streep, have supported the project. These supporters emphasized that current AI methods are more like stealing than being inspired by art. To make this work, the organization is offering consent ID reservations now and will launch a public registry in June. This registry will turn permissions into digital signals that machines can read. This move happens as tensions grow between creative professionals and AI developers. For example, over 700 creators have campaigned for better rules, and Scarlett Johansson recently had a dispute with OpenAI over a similar-sounding voice. However, while the registry is technically possible, it is still unclear how the organization will make AI companies follow these rules.

Conclusion

RSL Media has created a technical system for identity and asset consent, but its success depends on whether AI developers choose to respect the registry.

Learning

⚡ The Power of 'Passive' Logic

At the A2 level, you usually say: "Cate Blanchett started a company." This is clear, but it is basic. To move toward B2, you need to shift your focus from who did it to what happened.

Look at this phrase from the text:

*"RSL Media was created to set standards..."

Notice how the focus is on RSL Media, not the people who started it. This is the Passive Voice. In a professional or academic B2 context, the action is often more important than the person.


🛠️ How to build this bridge

To turn an A2 sentence into a B2 sentence, follow this movement:

A2 (Active): AI developers use personal details.\text{AI developers use personal details.} \rightarrow (Simple, focused on the actor) B2 (Passive): Personal details are used by AI developers.\text{Personal details are used by AI developers.} \rightarrow (Professional, focused on the data)

The Formula: Object+to be (am/is/are/was/were)+Past Participle (v3)\text{Object} + \text{to be (am/is/are/was/were)} + \text{Past Participle (v3)}


🔍 Spotted in the Wild

Check out these examples from the article that use this logic to sound more authoritative:

  • "...which was already used by over 1,500 organizations." (The organizations are the users, but the protocol is the star of the sentence).
  • "...permissions into digital signals that machines can read." (While this is active, the B2 transition involves using relative clauses like "that machines can read" to add detail without starting a new sentence).

💡 Pro Tip for Fluency

Stop using "Someone said..." or "They did..." when describing news or reports. Start using:

  • "It is claimed that..."
  • "It was decided to..."

This subtle change moves you away from "everyday conversation" and toward "independent user" (B2) status.

Vocabulary Learning

regulations
Rules or laws that govern how something is done.
Example:The new regulations require companies to report their carbon emissions.
growth
The process of increasing in size, amount, or importance.
Example:The company's growth over five years has been remarkable.
generative
Capable of producing or creating something new.
Example:Generative AI can compose music from scratch.
effort
An attempt or work toward achieving something.
Example:Her effort to learn Spanish paid off when she visited Spain.
standard
A level of quality or type of requirement that is accepted as normal.
Example:The company set a new safety standard for its factories.
label
To put a name or description on something.
Example:Please label the boxes with the contents before shipping.
permissions
Authorised rights or approvals to do something.
Example:The app requested permissions to access your contacts.
prohibited
Forbidden or not allowed.
Example:Smoking is prohibited inside the building.
protocol
A set of rules for how to do something.
Example:The protocol for handling emergencies was clearly outlined.
details
Specific pieces of information about something.
Example:She asked for more details about the project timeline.
industry
A particular area of commercial activity.
Example:The automotive industry is investing heavily in electric cars.
supported
Backed or helped by someone or something.
Example:The new policy was supported by most members.
emphasized
Stressed or made more noticeable.
Example:He emphasized the importance of teamwork.
digital
Relating to technology or computers.
Example:Digital cameras have replaced film cameras for most people.
registry
A public record of information.
Example:The birth registry lists all newborns in the city.