Elton John, Dua Lipa, Coldplay and Florence Welch are among more than 400 artists who call on British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to face AI technology to update copyright laws.
“We signed the letter with 400 other creatives and sent the letter to the Prime Minister urging him to support proposals to protect copyright in the AI era,” Elton John wrote on social media. “This is ahead of a tightening vote on the plans of the House of Lords on Monday, May 12.”
Paul McCartney, who previously lobbied copyright law protection in a BBC interview earlier this year, also signed the letter with Kate Bush, Robbie Williams, and hundreds of musicians, actors, playwrights, directors and artists.
"Creative copyright is the lifeblood of the creative industry. It recognizes the moral authority we have in our work and provides an income source for 2.4 million people in four countries in the UK."
“The struggle to defend our creative industry has joined with dozens of British businesses, including businesses that use and develop AI. We are not against progress or innovation. The creative industry has always been an early adopter of technology. Indeed, from light bulbs to AI itself, many of the greatest inventions in the world are the result of the troubles of British creativity and technology.”
The BBC reported that signers have already supported behind the data (use and access) bill, which would require developers to contact the copyright owner about transparency in using their materials to train AI models. The bill was introduced by Baroness Beeban Kidron and voted in the House of Lords on Monday.
The letter continues: “Any government’s first job is to protect its citizens.” The bill adds that it will “place transparency at the heart of the copyright system and allow AI developers and creators to develop licensing systems to fully integrate content created by humans into the future.”
Last December, artists, publishers, media companies and more united to form creative rights in the AI alliance, although the UK continues to turn to AI technology
"We are the people, you are the government. You should protect us. It's your job," McCartney told lawmakers in an interview with the BBC earlier this year. "So if you're paying, make sure you protect creative thinkers, creative artists, or you won't have them. If there's something like the government, that's their responsibility - I think - protecting young people trying to enhance the whole thing to enhance the whole thing. That way, these people can get the job and can enhance the work with wonderful art."