Musical Industry Leaders Unite Against AI Proposal
The heads of the three largest musical companies in the world have joined forces to combat the controversial artificial intelligence law proposal in the UK, expressing concerns that it could severely undermine the nation’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 backed a Daily Mail campaign calling on the government to safeguard the rights of creators.
“The UK stands at a decisive intersection, because the fact that ‘made in the UK’ and is 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 enormous soft power of Great Britain, which resonates on a global scale,” the executive added.
Concerns Over Copyright and AI
Sony’s Stringer acknowledged the transformative potential of AI, stressing the need for fair compensation. “AI is going to change the world… However, there can be no doubt that creators should be rewarded for being part of this technological revolution. Protecting the existing British copyright model ensures that AI developers and content owners can innovate while recognizing the value of the works that their products are based on.”
“The UK stands at a decisive intersection, because that ‘made in the UK’ and is 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 issued a stern warning about the proposed legislation: “The government’s proposed exclusion from copyright for training AI systems undermines the ability of artists, songwriters, and copyright owners who invest in them, as well as the creative community as a whole, to monetize and control their creative work while earning a living from it.”
“This would be very detrimental to the leading creative community in the world, which has long been a source of pride for Great Britain.”
In January, a 50-point Action Plan was presented in parliament, aiming to make Britain’s “Text and Data Manipulation” practices at least as competitive as those of the European Union. The AI law in the EU, branded as the first comprehensive AI legislation, enables AI developers to use copyrighted content from the internet for training unless copyright owners explicitly “opt-out” of having their material used. This “opt-out” mechanism allows data scraping unless the copyright holders clearly express objection.
“Protecting the existing British copyright model ensures that AI developers and content owners can innovate while recognizing the value of the work on which their products are based.”
Rob Stringer, Sony Music Group
According to the proposed changes in the UK, AI companies would gain access to text and data analysis, allowing them to feed copyrighted content into their AI models without acquiring permission or providing remuneration. Rather than enjoying automatic protection, creators would need to actively “opt-out” or “reserve their rights” concerning the use of their material.
Industry Reactions and Warnings
The EU’s approach has prompted several music professionals to clarify that they do not consent to their copyrights being used for AI purposes without their prior approval. In May 2024, Sony Music communicated with 700 AI developers and music streaming services, indicating they were selectively allowing their materials to train AI. One month later, Warner Music sent a warning to technology companies, stating they must seek permission to use their content.
In the UK, the proposed copyright reforms faced a parliamentary defeat at the end of January, with the House of Lords “which has the final authority on bill approvals after voting in the House of Commons,” supporting amendments to the bill by a vote of 145 to 126.
“The exclusion from copyright for training AI systems would undermine the ability of artists and songwriters, copyright owners who invest in them… It will be extremely harmful to the leading creative community worldwide.”
Robert Kyncl, Warner Music Group
“It goes without saying that our UK law must withstand the growing theft of intellectual property from artificial intelligence companies,” Baron Berkeley of Knighton stated at that time.
The timing of the Daily Mail’s campaign is critical, as public consultations on the proposal will conclude next week. While the government asserts that these changes will attract AI developers to the UK while protecting creative industries, industry leaders have expressed concern over the lack of an economic impact assessment.
Viscount Rothermere, chairman of the Daily Mail and General Trust, remarked: “The government has not conducted an economic assessment of their plan; who claims this is the best means to foster growth in the UK? True, creators can relinquish their rights, but why should they bear the burden of protecting their work from exploitation by AI?”
Iconic musicians such as Sir Elton John and Sir Paul McCartney have voiced their concerns regarding the proposed AI copyright changes, warning that they threaten the future of creative arts in the UK.
In a recent interview with Time, Elton John emphasized: “Without careful and reliable copyright protection, which allows artists to earn a fair income from their music, the UK’s future as a leader in art and popular culture is under serious threat.”
“This is the fundamental basis of artistic prosperity, and the success of the country in the creative industry rests upon it.”
Meanwhile, McCartney urged the government to reconsider its plans, stating: “We are human beings, you are the government! You must protect us. This is your responsibility.”
Acknowledging the benefits of AI, McCartney referenced his experience with technology: “We took an old cassette of John and enhanced his voice, making it sound as if it had just been recorded yesterday. While it has its uses, it shouldn’t disrupt creative individuals. It makes no sense,” McCartney, one of the two surviving members of the Beatles, said to BBC in January.
Major record company bosses back campaign against UK AI copyright proposal
