Elton John Supports Paul McCartney on AI Concerns
Elton John has voiced his support for Paul McCartney in response to the latter’s criticism of AI in relation to the proposed changes in copyright law.
Proposed Changes in Copyright Law
The Great British government is currently evaluating amendments to the author’s law aimed at permitting AI developers to utilize creators’ content from the Internet for data or intellectual analysis to help develop their models.
These proposals would essentially give artists or creators a “reserve” of the entire Internet.
In an interview on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg earlier today (January 26), the former Beatle opposed the proposed changes, arguing that they could eliminate the financial incentive for artists to create and result in a “loss of creativity.”
He stated: “You get young guys and girls coming up, writing wonderful songs, but they don’t own them, and they have nothing to show for it. Anyone can just disrupt it.”
He added: “We are people; you are the government! You must protect us. This is your job. If you are charging a fee, make sure to safeguard creative thinkers and artists, or you will lose them.”
In a recent interview with Sunday Times, John reiterated his concerns. He remarked, “The wheels are in motion to enable companies working in artificial intelligence to benefit from the traditional copyright laws that protect the livelihoods of artists.”
John also expressed, “This will grant large global tech companies free and easy access to artists’ work to train their AI and create competing music. This poses a threat to the income of young artists, and the music community strongly opposes this.”
He emphasized that for new and emerging musicians, the financial landscape of the industry has become increasingly challenging, especially with rising touring costs.
John concluded, “Without careful and reliable copyright protections that allow artists to earn consistent revenue from their music, the future of Great Britain as a leader in arts and popular culture is in serious jeopardy.”
“This is the foundation for artistic prosperity, and the country’s future success in creative industries hinges on it.”
The Beatles previously made use of technology to restore John Lennon’s vocals on the song “Real Love,” released in 2023, utilizing modern methods to enhance previously existing material.
Recently, the issue of AI’s role in music has sparked significant discussions. Last year, artists including Billie Eilish, Robert Smith from The Cure, Stevie Wonder, and Nicki Minaj were among those who signed an open letter warning against the “predatory” use of AI in music.
Other musicians who lent their names to this document included Katy Perry, Sam Smith, Kim Petras, R.E.M., Jon Bon Jovi, Mumford and Sons, Imagine Dragons, D4VD, Jon Batiste, Finneas, Fletcher, Pearl Jam, Jonas Brothers, Noah Kahan, Norah Jones, The 1975, Zayn Malik, Smokey Robinson, Sheryl Crow, Sigrid, Bob Marley’s estate, Frank Sinatra, BTS, and others.
Currently, the annual market for generative AI stands at £2.5 billion, with projections indicating it could soar to £52.8 billion by 2028.
https://www.nme.com/news/music/elton-john-backs-paul-mccartney-over-proposed-ai-copyright-law-this-will-dilute-and-threaten-young-artists-earnings-3832051?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=elton-john-backs-paul-mccartney-over-proposed-ai-copyright-law-this-will-dilute-and-threaten-young-artists-earnings
