Elton John and Paul McCartney Urge UK to Protect Artists from AI Copyright Changes
London - Iconic musicians Elton John and Paul McCartney have expressed their strong opposition to proposed changes in UK copyright laws that could allow artificial intelligence (AI) developers to utilize creators' content without permission. As the government considers overhauling its copyright framework, the musicians argue that such moves could harm artists’ livelihoods and stifle creativity.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer's administration is contemplating legislation that would permit technology companies to use online materials for developing AI, unless rights holders opt out. Critics, including John and McCartney, highlight the challenges artists face in opting out and tracking the use of their work across various AI programs.
John warned that the proposed changes could lead to "big tech companies gaining free access" to artistic creations, which would threaten the earnings of both established and emerging musicians. McCartney echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for laws that protect artists, stating that without such protections, creativity would be at risk.
The UK government has indicated that it will take insights from a consultation running until February 25 to address these concerns, aiming to find a fair balance between copyright protections and AI innovation. While McCartney acknowledged the potential benefits of AI in music production, he firmly stated that it should not infringe upon the rights of those who create.
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