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Australian Authors and Musicians Urge Government to Maintain Copyright Rules for AI Training
Writers and musicians met with officials in Canberra to oppose any changes that would allow AI companies easier access to their work. The government stated it has no plans to weaken copyright protections.
The Sydney Morning HeraldAudio version
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Dozens of Australian authors, songwriters, and musicians gathered in Canberra on Wednesday to press the government to keep existing copyright rules in place for artificial intelligence training. The group, which includes participants in a U.S. lawsuit against Anthropic, said AI companies have used their material without permission or payment.
They stated they are willing to negotiate licensing deals.
Attorney-General said the government has no plans to weaken copyright protections when it comes to AI. The spokesperson added that officials remain committed to a framework that supports creative industries while allowing AI innovation. Independent senator David Pocock told the Senate that a cabinet source had described internal discussions about possible exemptions.
He called on the government to rule out any such changes.
The government has promoted Australia as a site for AI data centre construction. Several industry organisations, including recording, writers, television, and publishers groups, supported the authors' position. Authors noted that 67 of one writer's books had been used in AI training and said future creators would lose income if copyright rules were relaxed.
