- Elton John and other top artists are opposing a UK government plan to change AI copyright laws.
- The proposal would let AI firms use creative works unless creators specifically opt out.
- Artists argue the change would allow companies to use content without permission or payment.
- An open letter signed by over 400 creators, including Paul McCartney and Dua Lipa, calls for stricter rules on AI use of copyrighted material.
- The government claims the reforms could boost the UK economy by $62.5 billion a year.
Elton John and a group of well-known artists are challenging a UK government proposal that would allow Artificial Intelligence (AI) developers to use copyrighted creative works without first asking permission. The proposed change would require creators to opt out if they do not want their work to be used for AI training, instead of companies needing to request consent beforehand.
The UK government argues this change is part of a broader plan to grow the country’s AI sector. According to its estimates, the move could increase UK productivity by up to 1.5% each year, adding as much as $62.5 billion to the economy if fully carried out.
In a BBC interview, Elton John called the plan "criminal" and described it as "committing theft, thievery on a high scale" if it goes forward. He expressed concern that "young artists… haven’t got the resources to keep checking or fight big tech." He said he feels "incredibly betrayed" by the proposal.
The controversy centers on the Data (Use and Access) Bill, which is part of the UK’s wider AI Opportunities Action Plan. The bill aims to make it easier for AI companies to use data from various sources to train their models.
A coalition of artists, including Paul McCartney, Ed Sheeran, Eric Clapton, and Dua Lipa, united to sign an open letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The letter urges support for amendments by Baroness Beeban Kidron that would require more transparency on which works AI systems use and would force companies to ask for permission before using copyrighted content.
The House of Commons has declined some changes proposed by the House of Lords, such as requiring explicit consent from creators for use of their work. Industry groups like the National Union of Journalists, Getty Images, and Sony Music Publishing also supported the letter.
The UK’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology did not immediately comment on the artists’ concerns. The debate continues as legislators weigh how best to balance technological innovation with rights for content creators.
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