Sir Paul McCartney has concerns that proposed changes to UK copyright law could allow AI to “rip off” musicians. In a recent interview with the BBC, the former Beatle called on lawmakers to “protect” creative thinkers from this fate. Now, Elton John is joining McCartney in speaking out against the proposed changes.
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Elton John: “The Musician Community Rejects It Wholeheartedly”
The UK government is considering altering the country’s copyright law. If these changes are implemented, AI developers would have legal permission to use creators’ content for developmental purposes.
The updated law would allow a “rights reservation” for artists and creators to opt out of this process. However, many critics fear it isn’t feasible for an individual to notify thousands of different AI service providers, or to keep track of what happens to their work across the web.
In an interview published Jan. 26 in the Sunday Times, Elton John worried that “wheels are in motion to allow AI companies to ride roughshod over the traditional copyright laws that protect artists’ livelihoods.”
“This will allow global big tech companies to gain free and easy access to artists’ work in order to train their artificial intelligence and create competing music,” said the EGOT winner, 77. “This will dilute and threaten young artists’ earnings even further. The musician community rejects it wholeheartedly.”
Kinda' think Elton John and Paul McCartney understand musician livelihoods. Why are we not listening to them? https://t.co/hWWQ0UuQFA
— Victoria Ward 💙 (@hotspurstudio) January 26, 2025
Between increased touring costs and other financial obstacles, it is already “harder than ever” for emerging musicians to support themselves, John said.
“Without thorough and robust copyright protection that allows artists to earn hard-fought earnings from their music, the UK’s future place on the world stage as a leader in arts and popular culture is under serious jeopardy,” he said. “It is the absolute bedrock of artistic prosperity, and the country’s future success in the creative industries depends on it.”
What Does Paul McCartney Say?
Elton John is just the latest British musician to call for copyright safeguards against AI for artists.
Sir Paul McCartney told the BBC, “The truth is, the money’s going somewhere … Somebody’s getting paid, so why shouldn’t it be the guy who sat down and wrote Yesterday?”
Featured image by Paul Zimmerman/Shutterstock
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