As the government pushes for a reform that would loosen copyright laws to benefit artificial intelligence companies, British artists are taking a stand. Musicians, writers, and media outlets are rallying together to oppose a measure they see as a threat to the future of creative industries.
The British artistic community, including renowned figures like Elton John and Dua Lipa, is speaking out against a government proposal that would make it easier for artificial intelligence (AI) companies to use copyrighted works for training purposes.
The proposal introduces a "copyright exception" that would allow AI developers to use certain works without prior authorization from creators. However, artists would still have the option to "reserve their rights" to prevent their works from being used in AI training.
This reform has sparked widespread criticism in the UK, where creative industries generate over £120 billion annually and employ 2.4 million people, according to official figures. These industries are seen as a key pillar of the country's cultural and economic influence.
On Tuesday, more than a thousand artists, including Damon Albarn, Annie Lennox, and Kate Bush, released a silent album in protest against the government’s plan. Titled Is This What You Want?, the album features recordings of empty spaces and studios. The tracklist spells out a clear message: "The UK government must not legalize theft for the benefit of AI companies."
Ed Newton-Rex, the musician behind the project, condemned the reform, stating that it would "hand over a lifetime’s work of British musicians to AI companies for free, allowing them to exploit artists' work to compete against them."
At the same time, a group of 30 authors and artists—including Elton John, Sting, Dua Lipa, and Nobel Prize-winning writer Kazuo Ishiguro—published an open letter in The Times, calling the reform "unnecessary and counterproductive."
In a rare show of unity, major British newspapers—including The Daily Mail, The Sun, The Guardian, The Times, and The Daily Telegraph—all featured a common front-page message on Tuesday with a blue backdrop: "Make it Fair."
The News Media Association, which spearheaded the initiative, warned of the consequences: "Without proper compensation, our creative industries simply will not survive."
The Labour government, which launched the consultation in December, insists the reform aims to provide "better control" for creators while fostering innovation in AI. In December, Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the need for balance between protecting artists and embracing AI’s potential.
The government hopes to establish the UK as a "global leader" in AI and announced a plan in mid-January to attract AI companies by allowing them to test their innovations in the UK before they are regulated.
Beyond the UK, AI’s rapid development is a growing concern for artists worldwide. In early February, 34,000 French artists signed a petition warning against the exploitation of their works and calling for "fair and lasting solutions."
Since 2023, strikes demanding stronger AI protections have disrupted Hollywood and the video game industry in the United States, led by the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA).
With AFP
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