Back to Articles
‘Soulless’: Founder of $32m App Lashes Out at AI

The Australian

SKIPPED

Authors (1)

Description

The man behind one of Australia’s most profitable creative apps has compared AI art generation to a soulless and joy-sapping ‘bot that eats ice cream so you don’t have to’.

Summary

James Cuda, the founder of the prominent Australian creative software Procreate, has explicitly rejected the integration of generative AI into his products, labeling the technology 'soulless' and 'joy-sapping.' This stance highlights a growing corporate pushback against automated content generation within the creative industries, emphasizing the human element of production over algorithmic output. While the article centers on intellectual property and the philosophy of human creativity, it touches on the broader socio-economic risks of AI-driven displacement in high-skill sectors. This significant move by a leading Australian tech firm underscores a diversifying landscape of governance and adoption strategies regarding frontier AI capabilities.

Body

‘Soulless’: Founder of $32m app lashes out at AIThe man behind one of Australia’s most profitable creative apps has compared AI art generation to a soulless and joy-sapping ‘bot that eats ice cream so you don’t have to’. Sale now on Unlock this story with a limited time offer Digital What’s included Unlimited access on app & web A digital version of Today’s paper Daily puzzles & Mind Games Complimentary access to The Wall Street Journal Subscriber-exclusive newsletters & early access to tomorrow’s front pages LIMITED TIME ONLY Sale Offer No lock-in contract $1 for 2 monthsThen $47 charged monthly.* *Read the fine print The Australian Digital subscription costs $1 charged for a duration of 2 months, after which it automatically renews at $47 charged monthly. Renewals occur unless cancelled as per full Terms and Conditions. Each payment, once made, is non-refundable, subject to law. Not in conjunction with any other offer. New customers only. Prices after any early discounted periods may be varied as per full Terms and Conditions. See www.theaustralian.com.au/subscriptionterms for full details. 12 Month Offer Best value offer over 12 months $28 a month for 12 monthsThen $47 charged monthly.* *Read the fine print The Australian Digital subscription costs $28 charged monthly for a duration of 12 months, after which it automatically renews at $47 charged monthly. Renewals occur unless cancelled as per full Terms and Conditions. Each payment, once made, is non-refundable, subject to law. Not in conjunction with any other offer. New customers only. Prices after any early discounted periods may be varied as per full Terms and Conditions. See www.theaustralian.com.au/subscriptionterms for full details. Benefits of Full Digital Access Unlimited access Expert news and commentary, accessible anytime on web & app. Today’s paper Swipe through the digital newspaper, liftouts, and archive. Newsletters Be in the know with subscriber-exclusive news emails. The Wall Street Journal Enjoy complimentary access to The Wall Street Journal. Mind Games Play daily crosswords, sudoku and more with Mind Games. Unlimited access Expert news and commentary, accessible anytime on web & app. Today’s paper Swipe through the digital newspaper, liftouts, and archive. Newsletters Be in the know with subscriber-exclusive news emails. The Wall Street Journal Enjoy complimentary access to The Wall Street Journal. Mind Games Play daily crosswords, sudoku and more with Mind Games. Subscribe Other subscription options Print + Digital Subscriptions Corporate Subscriptions Your Selection: $0 Your Selection – Change selection Today’s Total $0 Read the fine print Terms and Conditions Sorry, we are unable to process your request at this time. Please try again later.