UK Musicians Unite to Protest Proposed AI Copyright Law Changes

Over 1,000 Musicians Release Silent Album in Protest

Scottish singer-songwriter Annie Lennox is among 1,000 musicians to release a silent album in protest of proposed changes to a UK copyright law around artificial intelligence. The album, titled “Is This What We Want,” features recordings of empty studios and performance spaces.

Leading Musicians Join the Protest

Joining Lennox are other prominent musicians, including Kate Bush and Damon Albarn, as well as authors such as Kazuo Ishiguro, Michael Morpurgo, and Helen Fielding. The protest also gained support from Paul McCartney, Elton John, Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, and Sting, among others.

Government’s Proposal Criticized

The UK government’s plan to overhaul the law to allow AI companies to use creators’ content on the internet, unless rights holders opt out, has been met with widespread criticism. Musicians argue that opting out will be difficult and onerous.

Newton-Rex Speaks Out

Ed Newton-Rex, the album’s organiser, says that musicians are “united in their thorough condemnation of this ill-thought-through plan.” He adds that the government’s proposal would hand over the life’s work of the country’s musicians to AI companies for free, allowing them to exploit musicians’ work and outcompete them.

Catastrophic Consequences

The album’s release coincides with the end of the government’s public consultation on the proposed changes. If implemented, the plan could have catastrophic consequences for the creative industry. As Paul McCartney notes, “You get young guys, girls, coming up, and they write a beautiful song, and they don’t own it, and they don’t have anything to do with it. And anyone who wants can just rip it off.”

What’s Next?

The UK music industry contributes £7.6 billion to the economy, with exports of UK music reaching £4.6 billion. As the government continues to debate the proposed changes, it remains to be seen how the industry will adapt to the proposed changes. One thing is certain, however, that the music industry will continue to fight for its rights and its creative freedom.

FAQs

* What is the proposed change to the UK copyright law around artificial intelligence?
The proposed change would allow AI companies to use creators’ content on the internet, unless rights holders opt out.
* Who is protesting the proposed change?
Over 1,000 musicians, including Annie Lennox, Kate Bush, and Damon Albarn, are protesting the proposed change.
* What are the potential consequences of the proposed change?
The proposed change could lead to the exploitation of musicians’ work and the loss of creative freedom.
* What is the UK government’s stance on the proposed change?
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said that the government needs to “get the balance right” with copyright and AI, noting the technology represents “a huge opportunity.”