Elton John has strongly condemned the UK government’s proposed changes to AI copyright laws, labeling them as “theft” from artists. The music legend’s comments come as part of a growing backlash from top artists, including Paul McCartney, Ed Sheeran, and Dua Lipa, who have joined forces to oppose the plans.
The proposed changes would allow AI developers to train models on any creative works they have lawful access to, without needing to obtain permission from the creators. This has sparked concerns among artists about the potential for their work to be used without compensation or proper attribution.
“The danger is for young artists, they haven’t got the resources to keep checking or fight big tech,” John said in a BBC interview. “It’s criminal and I feel incredibly betrayed.” He added that if the government proceeds with the plans, they would be “committing theft, thievery on a high scale.”
The controversy surrounds the Data (Use and Access) Bill, part of the government’s “AI Opportunities Action Plan.” This initiative aims to boost the UK’s AI sector by expanding infrastructure, integrating AI into public services, and nurturing homegrown AI talent. The government estimates that AI could increase UK productivity by up to 1.5% annually, potentially adding £47 billion to the economy.
However, artists and creators are pushing back against the proposed changes. They are calling on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to support amendments that would require AI firms to disclose the data used for training models, ensuring transparency over copyright works ingested by AI.
The open letter, signed by over 400 individuals and organizations, including the National Union of Journalists, Getty Images, and Sony Music Publishing, urges the government to reconsider the plans. The signatories argue that the current proposal could have devastating consequences for creators, depriving them of fair compensation for their work.
As the debate continues, the House of Commons has rejected amendments that would have required AI firms to obtain permission before using copyrighted materials. The issue remains a contentious point, with legislators pushing for stricter rules to protect creators’ rights.
