Elton John, Coldplay, and Dua Lipa Among 400 Artists Urging the UK Government to Reform Copyright Laws Amid Threats

Artists Call for Changes in Copyright Laws

Elton John, Coldplay, and Dua Lipa are part of a group of 400 artists urging the Great Britain government to reform copyright laws in response to rising threats from AI technologies.

Other notable figures like Paul McCartney, Florence Welch, Kate Bush, and Robbie Williams have also endorsed a letter requesting support from Keir Starmer for initiatives aimed at safeguarding copyright works against AI infringements.

Call for Transparency in AI Development

On Monday (May 12), the House of Lords is set to vote on an amendment to a bill that would require AI developers to disclose the copyright resources utilized in training their models.

To date, the Starmer government has voiced concerns about the amendment, preferring a continuous consultation process instead. The current legislation permits analytical use of data for non-profit purposes without permission, whereas commercial exploitation necessitates relinquishing intellectual data analysis rights.

The artists’ letter, reviewed by the Prime Minister, asserts: “Creative copyright is essential to the vitality of our creative industry. It bestows moral rights regarding our work and secures income for 2.4 million individuals across the four nations of the UK.”

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“The fight for protecting our creative industries unites various British ventures, including those involved in AI development. We do not oppose progress or innovation, as the creative sector has always been at the forefront of technology usage. Many of the world’s greatest inventions, including artificial intelligence, have emerged from the British creative spirit utilizing technology.”

“A fundamental duty of any government is to safeguard its citizens,” the letter continued. It asserts that the bill “will prioritize transparency in copyright matters and enable both AI developers and creators to establish licensing models that ensure the human element in future creations.”

Many artists who signed the letter have previously spoken out on this subject, with Paul McCartney stating in January: “Young people come up with beautiful songs and end up with no ownership or involvement. Anyone can just exploit their work.”

“We are individuals, and you are the government! It is your responsibility to protect us. This is your task. If you create regulations, ensure they safeguard creative minds and artists, or else they will disappear.”

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Elton John echoed sentiments from a former bandmate, asserting: “The momentum is building to allow corporations to exploit traditional copyright frameworks that sustain artists’ livelihoods.”

“This would enable major tech companies to gain unfettered access to artists for training their artificial intelligence and producing rival music, further diluting and jeopardizing the income of emerging artists. The musical community stands united on this issue.”

Jimmy Page further elaborated, stating: “The ethical ramifications are profound. When AI weaves through the rich tapestry of human creativity to generate content, it often does so without permission, attribution, or remuneration. This is not innovation; it is exploitation.”

“We must advocate for legislation that ensures AI cannot monetize human creativity without explicit consent and equitable compensation. The government’s preferred approach in ongoing consultations does not accomplish this.”

Brian May from Queen expressed his concerns: “I fear that it may already be too late—this theft has already occurred and is unstoppable, similar to other invasions brought upon us by the arrogant billionaire owners of AI and social networks. The future has irrevocably changed.”

Additionally, over 1,000 artists, including Damon Albarn, Kate Bush, and Annie Lennox, released a silent album in February to protest the proposed changes to copyright policies.