Chatfield appointed ALCS chair

The Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society (ALCS) has appointed author and tech philosopher Dr Tom Chatfield as chair of the organisation, succeeding Jo Revill.

Chatfield is the author of 10 books published in over 30 languages, with his most recent title being How to Think (SAGE Publishing, 2021). ALCS says he is “interested in improving not only our experiences and understanding of technology but its use in policy, education and engagement".

He has recently completed a six-year term on the ALCS Board of Directors, where the organisation says he was instrumental in setting the company strategy for the next five years, took a key role in guiding the technological development of our internal systems and led the creation of its guiding principles around AI.

It goes on to say that his knowledge of and enthusiasm for the power of the tech sector, combined with his expertise as an author, make him perfectly placed to guide ALCS at a pivotal point in time when concern around is “rife” about the impact that AI will have on the lives of authors.

On his appointment, Chatfield said: “With the rise of Generative AI, authors and creators of all kinds are facing unprecedented challenges, uncertainties and opportunities. ALCS has long been a champion of authors’ rights and a passionate advocate for the significance of human creativity, and I am very happy to be stepping into the role of chair at this crucial time.”

ALCS c.e.o. Barbara Hayes said: “I have long admired Tom’s rigorous approach speaking up for the challenges writers have faced in the digital age and now too his commitment to seeking a fair and just approach for authors as the evolution of digital into the generative AI era is now upon us. He has already taken a strong lead on the AI discussions at UK, EU and international levels and will be an invaluable asset to ALCS as we develop our own approach to what the future brings and how we protect and promote the rights of our 120,000 writer members going forward.”