Freepik Launches an AI Image Generator Trained on Licensed Data
Freepik Launches New AI Image Model: F Lite
Freepik, a well-known graphic design platform, recently introduced an innovative AI image model called F Lite. This model was revealed on a Tuesday and is significant because it was exclusively trained on commercially licensed images that are classified as "safe-for-work."
Understanding F Lite
The F Lite model is a sophisticated tool comprised of approximately 10 billion parameters. Parameters in this context refer to the internal components that define how the model operates and generates images. Developed in collaboration with the AI startup Fal.ai, the training involved a substantial computational effort, utilizing 64 Nvidia H100 GPUs over a span of two months. This intensive training process allows F Lite to create high-quality images while ensuring adherence to licensing regulations.
Two Versions of F Lite
Freepik offers two distinct versions of F Lite:
- Standard Version: This version is designed to be more reliable and true to user prompts. While it may lack the artistic flair of the texture model, it provides consistent results.
- Texture Version: This iteration is more experimental and may produce unexpected outcomes. However, it excels in generating rich textures and creative compositions, appealing to users seeking artistic depth in their images.
The Role of Generative AI in Today’s Landscape
Generative AI models like F Lite are becoming increasingly relevant amid ongoing copyright discussions and lawsuits involving major AI companies such as OpenAI and Midjourney. These generative models often utilize vast amounts of content from the internet, including copyrighted material, raising ethical and legal questions about the right to use such data without compensation. Many creators and intellectual property rights holders challenge the assertion of "fair use," which is frequently cited by tech companies defending their practices.
Freepik’s Commitment to Licensed Data
Freepik stands apart by ensuring that F Lite’s training data consists of around 80 million licensed images. By focusing on legally obtained content, Freepik aims to contribute to a landscape where creators can develop AI tools without infringing on intellectual property rights. The two models of F Lite present varied capabilities, allowing users to select the version that best meets their creative needs.
How F Lite Performs
A generated image from the standard model depicts "a person standing in front of a sunset in majestic surroundings," showcasing F Lite’s ability to render realistic and engaging scenes. This model aims to make AI-generated images accessible to a wider range of developers and creatives, allowing them to use or modify the model as they see fit.
Image Credit: Freepik
System Requirements and Market Outlook
Running F Lite effectively requires a GPU with at least 24GB of VRAM, which could be a barrier for some users. However, the pursuit of more responsible AI practices is in the spotlight, with companies like Adobe, Bria, Getty Images, Moonvalley, and Shutterstock also exploring media-generating models rooted in licensed data. As legal frameworks around AI copyright evolve, the landscape for AI-generated content may expand significantly, shaping future developments in this field.
In summary, Freepik’s F Lite model represents a significant step forward in the ethical use of AI in graphic design, aiming to empower creatives while staying within legal boundaries.
