Elton John slams plan to let AI use artists’ work without paying. The UK’s new bill comes under fire
The UK’s AI bill just hit a nerve with artists. Many fear it could let tech giants use their creative work without fair pay.
AI is definitely one of those topics where people have wildly different opinions. On one hand, tech leaders like its own system, Muse, to see what it can do. But when it comes to using AI on creative works – like music, writing, or art – that’s a whole different conversation.
Creative rights in the age of AI
Elton John isn’t holding back when it comes to the UK’s new Data (Use and Access) Bill. The proposed law would let tech companies use creative work, including songs, books, and other art, to train AI without asking permission or paying the original creators. Artists would have to opt out if they don’t want their work used, which Elton calls “criminal offense” and straight-up “thievery on a high scale.”
What is Data (Use and Access) Bill: The UK government rolled out this bill to make it easier for AI companies to get their hands on tons of data, without having to ask permission from the people who created it. The idea is to help the UK become a major player in the AI world by giving tech companies more freedom to train their AI models on all kinds of content.
Elton’s especially worried about younger artists who don’t have the resources to fight back against big tech. In a BBC interview, he called the government’s move a betrayal and didn’t mince words – he even called them “absolute losers” for not protecting creators from AI exploitation.
And he’s not alone. Over 400 artists, including big names like Paul McCartney and Ed Sheeran, are taking a stand, saying the bill could seriously hurt people trying to make a living through their art.
This whole debate is really about finding the right balance between pushing for tech innovation and protecting creators' rights in today’s digital world. While the UK government wants to be a leader in AI, this bill could actually devalue human creativity and hurt the UK’s creative industries.
- Activision tests interest in new titles with AI-generated fake game ads
- Xbox's Copilot AI discourages social gaming
- The Witcher 4 free of gen AI, at least for now. CD Projekt talks e of such technologies in games
- Fortnite's use of AI Darth Vader could have lasting implications for the industry
- Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang on AI - It doesn’t matter what you do, here’s how I’d use it to get ahead
- AI / Artificial Intelligence
- Elton John