As a CEO with a learning disability, I question if the anti-AI movement is unintentionally ableist, as AI could provide valuable job opportunities for disabled people.
As AI caricatures flood our algorithms, particularly in the form of Ghibli-style portraits, the debate intensifies on whether AI is a wasteful trend for the creative industries. However, as people join the Anti AI movement due to this surge, I have other questions.
On a creative level; when I launched Moray Luke in 2022, I knew that if I was going to put my name behind something, it had to reflect craftsmanship, sustainability, and a strong connection to tactile, sensory experiences like using fish leather. My goal was to create something unique, lasting, and rooted in handmade UK production at the time the UK was moving from a service economy to a manufacturing one, while making ethical choices for the future.
Three years have passed, and technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace. The pandemic accelerated technological advancements that have reshaped industries. Our brand was launched before OpenAI’s public debut , and now, three years later, we see technology transforming every facet of business and creativity.
Five collections have come and gone, and I’ve just received a film scholarship to pursue my dream of becoming a director, marking my aspirations to go beyond handbags and incorporate my second love; history. As a young brand owner and director, AI could be the dream tool to cut costs and streamline creation, pushing the limits of what I could achieve with limited resources.
Yet, as ugly, caricatured AI-generated portraits flood social media and competitors' platforms, the debate surrounding creative AI often overlooks other important aspects of the technology. My bottom line is Moray Luke will not use AI in any creative role. However, as the CEO of a fashion house, I see AI as incredibly helpful, particularly in managing my business finances and streamlining processes. However, its rapid development also raises red flags. AI is bad for the environment, and its unchecked growth and lack of regulation stops creativity.
In today’s social media-driven world, staying relevant often means posting every day to keep up with the algorithm. My competitors are rapidly adopting AI. The idea of growing through frequent daily posts using AI-generated models or avatars to showcase my products, feels almost like cheating authenticity.
Social media platforms reward quantity over quality, pushing brands to constantly churn out content, but isn't it quality that truly resonates with audiences? Do we not need a collective shift to change the algorithm?
Can AI conjure up an image as grand as this fish leather?
At the same time, an Anti AI movement is growing. However disability activists want to be part of the conversation. Whilst AI is not a one-size-fits-all solution, particularly for individuals with more complex or specific needs, it does the job when institutions won't adhere to their legal requirements.
AI offers significant benefits to disabled people, providing them with tools for greater independence and accessibility. As someone with pretty severe dyspraxia caused by a brain injury as a child, AI can be useful.
Nothing will ever replace the critical role of auxiliary aids or in-person support for individuals with complex needs. However, the unfortunate reality is that many institutions fail to fullfill their legal obligations to provide such accommodations unless they are legally challenged or dragged through the courts. This leaves individuals with little recourse and forces them to fight for their rights.
From this perspective, is being anti-AI ableist? Shouldn’t society recognise the potential of AI to empower disabled individuals, especially when mainstream institutions repeatedly fail to provide the accommodations they are legally entitled to? AI can be a vital tool for those who are often overlooked and left without proper support, offering a way to bridge the gap that institutions leave behind.
When it comes to creativity, the conversation becomes even more complex. Many people with disabilities, through no fault of their own, lack access to the resources and opportunities needed to nurture their creative talents. In the UK alone, 329,000 working-age disabled individuals are unemployed, many of whom could greatly benefit from AI advancements that provide accessible, affordable tools for creativity and innovation. Whether it's creative software or financial support via AI-powered platforms, this technology could make lives easier for disabled people, especially as many institutions fail to meet their obligations under the Equality Act by providing necessary aids.
So, from this standpoint, AI has the potential to advance opportunities for disabled people in ways that are both innovative and empowering. While it’s crucial to approach AI with caution, particularly in creative fields, it’s clear that AI could level the playing field and offer much-needed support where traditional systems fall short
However every its for each disabled person to have a boundary. Firstly we need to force institutions to honour their obligations under the law. But many of us don't have the resources to do this.
We also have different perspectives. My personal perspective as a CEO is that from a creative standpoint, I believe AI needs to be regulated and used responsibly. It must not replace the human touch that makes art and craftsmanship meaningful. As a budding director there is no shortcut to learning. Not to creativity either. But at the same time, we can’t ignore the benefits AI offers to those who need it most. If our vital institutions won't help, and will only be challenged in court, AI is better than nothing.
Another question is; can we use AI responsibly without sacrificing creativity and compassion? Can we have a nuanced conversation for once considering all points of view.
Moray Luke advocates for the responsible use of AI. We stand for policies that promote moderation, regulation, and sensibility in the use of this technology. While we believe in harnessing AI for practical purposes, such as streamlining administrative tasks like filing company returns; especially when institutions fall short. However, we are committed to maintaining our creative integrity. We would much rather embrace the charm of grainy film than rely on AI-filtered images to chase viral trends or conform to social media algorithms. Our focus is on genuine craftsmanship, ethical choices, and remaining true to our values.
