Stars urge PM to update copyright laws to protect artists from AI exploitation

Dua Lipa, Sir Elton John, Sir Ian McKellen, and Florence Welch are among over 400 British artists, musicians, and writers calling on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to update copyright laws to safeguard their work from artificial intelligence.

In an open letter, they warn that without adequate protection, creators will be forced to "give away" their work to tech companies, jeopardizing both their rights and the UK's status as a creative powerhouse.

The group is urging support for an amendment to the Data (Use and Access) Bill that would require AI developers to disclose when they are using copyrighted material to train their models. The letter highlights concerns that failing to address this issue could undermine the future of human-created content.

A government spokesperson responded, emphasizing their commitment to both the creative industries and AI, noting ongoing consultations to ensure any measures taken benefit both sectors. However, they stressed that no changes would be made unless fully satisfactory to creators.

The letter also features prominent signatories such as author Kazuo Ishiguro, playwright David Hare, and musicians including Kate Bush, Robbie Williams, Coldplay, and Sir Paul McCartney. They argue that AI developers need creators just as much as they need energy and technology, and that protecting human-created content is essential for the future of the arts.

The artists are backing an amendment by Baroness Beeban Kidron, set for a key vote in the House of Lords on Monday, which would allow both AI developers and creators to create licensing frameworks to ensure human-generated content continues to thrive.

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