Paul McCartney, Elton John, Coldplay and more urge government for AI copyright laws
Elton John, Paul McCartney, Coldplay and Dua Lipa are among over 400 artists who have called for the government to update copyright laws for artificial intelligence.
Through the signed letter, writers and artists urged Sir Keir Starmer to update AI laws. The letter stresses that failing to provide that protection would mean that they would “give away” their work to tech firms. There will be a crunch vote on May 12th in the House of Lords, so the musicians are adamant that their stance should be considered before legal decisions are made.
The letter begins with the bold statement, “Creative copyright is the lifeblood of the creative industries.” It goes on to clarify that, “We are not against progress or innovation. The creative industries have always been early adopters of technology.”
The statement highlights the reciprocal quality of AI’s relationship with creativity. It states, “We are wealth creators, we reflect and promote national stories, we are the innovators of the future, and Al needs us as much as it needs energy and computer skills.”
The musicians then ask the Prime Minister to back an amendment to the Data (Use and Access) Bill, which requires developers to be transparent with copyright owners about using their material to train AI models.
Other signatories include author Kazuo Ishiguro, playwright David Hare, singers Kate Bush and Robbie Williams, as well as Tom Stoppard and Richard Curtis.
Musicians have been resistant to the industry’s monopolisation of AI. In February, over 1,000 artists, including Damon Albarn and Kate Bush, released a silent album to protest the government’s proposed changes to copyright law.
Elsewhere, other musicians are embracing ethical AI. Imogen Heap became the first artist to sign on for an AI start-up ‘Jen’, which allows users to “infuse the vibe, feel, rhythmic style, instrument textures” of fully licensed songs.
The open letter ends with a direct address to privy politicians. “To parliamentarians on all sides of the political spectrum and in both Houses, we urge you to vote in support of the UK creative industries. Supporting us supports the creators of the future. Our work is not yours to give away.”
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