Multiple Artists, Including Elton John, Condemn UK’s AI Copyright Plan

Multiple artists have been campaigning against the UK government’s plan to allow developers to use copyright content to train AI modes. This Sunday, Sir Elton John accused the British government of “committing theft” and described the leaders behind the AI plan as “absolute losers.”

In a recent interview with the BBC, Sir Elton John expressed his anger against the government’s recent actions and willingness to allow the use of creative material to train AI. He also warned about young artists being in “danger” as they might not have the resources to fight big tech companies.

“It’s a criminal offence, I think,” said John. “The government are just being absolute losers, and I’m very angry about it.”

Last week, the UK government rejected a proposal to force AI companies to disclosed which content they are using to train their models, suggested by the House of Lords.

“The House of Lords did a vote, and it was more than two to one in our favour,” John said. “The government just looked at it as if to say, ‘Hmm, well the old people… like me can afford it.'”

In January, the UK government announced its plan to become a world leader in AI, and said they want both the creative industry and AI companies to succeed.

“We want our creative industries and AI companies to flourish, which is why we’re consulting on a package of measures that we hope will work for both sectors,” said a spokesperson to the BBC. “We’re clear that no changes will be considered unless we are completely satisfied they work for creators.”

A few days ago, John along with over 400 artists—including Dua Lipa, Florence Welch, and Sir Ian McKellen—signed a petition addressed to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to not give away their work to tech companies.