Industry Leaders Unite Against AI Law
The heads of the three largest musical companies in the world have united their efforts to oppose the controversial proposal for artificial law in the UK, warning that it can seriously damage the country’s creative sectors.
Universal Music Group Chairman and General Director Sir Lucian Grange, Sony Music Group Chairman Rob Stringer, and Warner Music Group General Manager Robert Kyncl have thrown their weight behind an Daily Mail campaign calling on the government to protect the rights of creators.
“The UK stands at a decisive intersection, because the fact that ‘made in the UK’ and exported to the world is not limited to physical products, but also includes intellectual property and copyright, such as music, visual arts, life sciences, and much more,” Grange stated.
“This is the source of the huge soft power of Great Britain, which resonates on a global scale,” the executive director added.
Concerns Over AI and Copyright Reform
Sony Music’s Stringer recognized the transformative potential of AI, emphasizing the necessity of fair compensation.
“AI will change the world… However, there can be no doubt that creators should be rewarded for their role in this technological revolution. Protecting the current British copyright model ensures that both AI developers and content owners can innovate while also valuing the original work that forms the foundation of their products.”
“The UK stands at a decisive intersection, because that ‘made in the UK’ and exported to the world is not limited to physical products, but also intellectual property and copyright, including music.”
Sir Lucian Grange, Universal Music Group
Kyncl from Warner Music warned about the proposed legislation. “The government’s proposed exclusion from copyright for training AI systems undermines the ability of artists, songwriters, and copyright owners to monetize and control their creative work, jeopardizing their livelihoods.”
“This would be extremely detrimental to the leading creative community, a long-standing pride of Great Britain.”
In January, a 50-point Action Plan was presented to Parliament aimed at reforming the UK’s approach to “text and data mining” to maintain competitiveness with the EU. The EU’s AI Law allows AI developers to use copyrighted material for training unless copyright owners explicitly refuse consent.
“Protecting the existing British copyright model ensures that both AI developers and content owners can innovate while recognizing the value of the work that underpins their products.”
Rob Stringer, Sony Music Group
Under the proposed UK changes, AI companies would be permitted to analyze text and intellectual data, allowing them to incorporate copyrighted content into their AI models without obtaining permission or offering compensation. Creators would be required to actively “opt-out” or “reserve their rights” regarding the use of their work.
Creative Voices Raise Alarm
The EU Act prompted many music professionals to assert their copyright ownership, refusing to allow their work to be utilized for AI without prior consent. In May 2024, Sony Music alerted 700 AI developers and music streaming services that it was opting out of using its materials for AI training. Warner Music followed suit a month later, notifying tech companies of their need for permission to use their content.
In the UK, proposed copyright reforms faced parliamentary defeat at the end of January as the House of Lords voted 145 to 126 in favor of amendments to the bill, reasserting their legislative authority.
“Exclusion from copyright for training AI systems would undermine the ability of artists and songwriters, owners of copyright who invest in their work… It would be very damaging to the leading creative community worldwide.”
Robert Kyncl, Warner Music Group
“It goes without saying that UK law must withstand the growing theft of intellectual property by AI companies,” Baron Berkeley of Knighton stated at that time.
The Daily Mail‘s campaign is essential, with public consultations on the proposal concluding next week. Although the government asserts that these changes will attract AI developers to the UK while safeguarding the creative industries, the lack of an economic impact assessment has raised concerns among industry leaders.
Viscount Rothermere, the chairman of the Daily Mail and General Trust, remarked: “The government has not conducted an economic assessment of their plan; who says this is the best way to spur growth in the UK? While artists can opt-out of their rights, why should they bear the burden of protecting their work from AI exploitation?”
Musical legends like Sir Elton John and Sir Paul McCartney have also expressed apprehension regarding the proposed AI copyright changes, warning that these pose a threat to the future of creative arts in the UK.
In a recent interview with Time, Elton John stated: “Without proper copyright protection that allows artists to earn a fair income from their music, Great Britain’s standing as a leader in art and popular culture is in serious jeopardy.”
“This is the fundamental basis for artistic prosperity, and the future success of the country in the creative sector depends on it.”
Meanwhile, McCartney urged the government to reconsider their plans, stating: “We are people, you are the government! You must protect us. This is your job.”
Acknowledging the benefits of AI, McCartney highlighted his own experience with the technology: “We took an old cassette of John’s and cleaned up his voice so it sounded as if it was recorded just yesterday. It has its advantages. But this should not disrupt creative individuals.”
McCartney, one of the two remaining members of The Beatles, stated in January on BBC.
https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/music-industry-giants-unite-against-uks-ai-copyright-proposal/
