Elton John backs Paul McCartney over proposed AI copyright law: “This will dilute and threaten young artists’ earnings”

nme.com:

Elton John has backed Paul McCartney over his criticism towards AI in proposed changes to copyright law.The UK government is currently considering altering the copyright law to allow AI developers use of creators’ content on the internet if they are data or text mining to help develop their models.The proposals would give artists or creators a “rights reservation” to opt out, but has been criticised by many who believe it would be impossible for an individual to notify thousands of different AI service providers, or to monitor what has happened to their work across the entire internet.Speaking in an an interview on Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg, earlier today (January 26) the former Beatle spoke out against the proposed changes, saying they could remove the monetary incentive for artists to create work and cause a “loss of creativity”He added: “You get young guys, girls, coming up, and they write a beautiful song, and they don’t own it, and they don’t have anything to do with it.

And anyone who wants can just rip it off.”He continued: “We’re the people, you’re the government! You’re supposed to protect us.

That’s your job. So you know, if you’re putting through a bill, make sure you protect the creative thinkers, the creative artists, or you’re not going to have them.”In a new interview with the Sunday Times, John echoed his comments. “The wheels are in motion to allow AI companies to ride roughshod over the traditional copyright laws that protect artists’ livelihoods,” he said.John continued: “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.