AI vs. Instructors: The Controversy Behind Udemy’s Generative AI Program

AI, Content, and Control: Udemy’s Generative AI Controversy

In the fast-moving world of e-learning, platforms like Udemy have become essential to millions of instructors and learners alike. Offering over 250,000 courses, Udemy allows instructors to share their knowledge and students to gain new skills from the comfort of their homes. Recently, however, Udemy made headlines for a different reason: its use of generative AI to train on the content of its instructors' courses without an automatic opt-out.

In August 2024, Udemy announced that it would use the content contributed by instructors to train generative AI models. The platform provided a brief three-week window for instructors to opt out, and now, after that window has closed, many instructors are voicing concerns.

Udemy ’s announcement reads:

“We want to officially announce that the opt-out period for our Generative AI Program (GenAI Program) begins today, August 21st, and goes through September 12th. The choice to participate in the GenAI program is yours. If you want to participate, no action is needed!”

However, those who missed this short window now face the reality that their content may already be in the AI training data. Instructors like Katie Stegs, who has been on Udemy for years, expressed frustration about the lack of transparency. After receiving an email saying she was part of the GenAI Program, Stegs attempted to opt out, only to find that the option was now grayed out.

The Concerns Surrounding AI and Instructor Content

At the heart of this controversy is the issue of consent and control. Many instructors feel blindsided by the opt-out system. Once the three-week window closed, those who didn’t actively opt out found their content automatically included in Udemy’s generative AI training data.

Stegs expressed her frustration on LinkedIn, noting that she had never agreed to any changes in Udemy’s policy over the last five years. Her concerns are echoed by many other instructors, some of whom have already left the platform over these changes. One of the major fears is the loss of control over intellectual property. Instructors worry that their content is being used to train AI models without clear guidelines or compensation.

A key question raised is whether Udemy’s AI-trained courses could eventually compete with the human instructors themselves. Although Udemy has stated that it has no intentions of creating AI-generated courses to compete with human instructors, the lack of clarity around the AI program has left many unconvinced.

Opt-Out vs. Opt-In: Where’s the Line?

One of the most concerning aspects of Udemy’s Generative AI Program is the reliance on an opt-out system rather than opt-in. This approach assumes that instructors are willing to participate unless they explicitly choose not to. Many instructors, especially those who may not frequently check their email or Udemy’s community forums, have expressed frustration at being automatically included in the AI training without clear prior consent.

Adding to the confusion, the opt-out option has now been grayed out for many, leaving them feeling trapped in a system they didn’t choose. Instructors like Hardy Fowler, a digital artist, expressed dismay at the change, noting that the opt-out process seems deliberately difficult. Fowler, along with others, has parted ways with Udemy as a result, citing the platform’s approach as the final straw.

The Impact on Earnings and Visibility

Beyond the control issues, there are concerns about how opting out of the Generative AI Program could affect an instructor's visibility and income. Udemy has hinted that instructors who remain in the AI program may see enhanced course visibility and engagement. However, it remains unclear exactly how these AI tools will impact an instructor's ability to earn, leaving some feeling pressured to participate in the program to avoid losing out on potential revenue.

This sentiment was echoed by instructors on Udemy’s forums, asking whether opting out would reduce their chances of being promoted or featured in advertising campaigns. Udemy assured instructors that their courses would still surface in search results, but the program’s emphasis on AI’s ability to increase engagement raises valid concerns about whether non-participating instructors will be left behind.

Transparency and the Role of AI in Education

While Udemy has been more transparent than many other platforms about its AI training processes, the sudden introduction of this program highlights larger issues around the use of user-generated content to train AI models. Major tech companies like OpenAI and Meta have faced similar scrutiny over their use of public data to train their AI models, but few have offered clear pathways for users to opt out once their data is included.

Udemy’s approach raises important questions about the role of AI in education. Will AI-generated content eventually replace human instructors? How will platforms balance the need for innovation with respect for the intellectual property of their users?

In a statement, Scott Rogers, Senior Vice President of Instructor and Content Strategy at Udemy, explained that the process of removing data from AI models is not simple. He said that the company would offer annual opt-out periods for instructors to reassess their participation as the AI tools continue to evolve.

“At Udemy, we believe our instructors should have complete control over their content. This includes deciding whether or not they want their content included within our GenAI models,” Rogers said.

Despite these assurances, the annual opt-out window remains a point of contention for many. Some instructors argue that they should be allowed to withdraw consent at any time, especially given the complexity of removing data from AI models once it has been used in training.

The Future of AI and Instructor Content

The controversy surrounding Udemy’s Generative AI Program reflects broader concerns about the intersection of AI, intellectual property, and user consent. As AI continues to play a growing role in online education, platforms must carefully consider how they handle the content created by their users. The balance between innovation and fairness will be crucial as more companies turn to AI to enhance their offerings.

Instructors like Stegs and Fowler have made their concerns clear, and the conversation around AI and education is only just beginning. As Udemy continues to refine its AI tools, it must ensure that instructors are fully informed and empowered to make decisions about how their content is used.

Questions to Ponder:

• Should instructors be allowed to withdraw consent for AI training at any time, not just during annual opt-out windows?
• How will AI impact the future of online education and the role of human instructors?
• Is the current opt-out approach fair to instructors, or should platforms like Udemy require opt-in participation for AI training?

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Reference: 404media