Sir Elton John has delivered a scathing rebuke of the UK government´s proposed approach to copyright law as it pertains to Artificial Intelligence, describing ministers as ´absolute losers´ and their actions as a form of betrayal against creative professionals. In an exclusive discussion with Laura Kuenssberg, John denounced potential government plans that would permit technology firms to mine artists´ work without compensating them, calling such practices ´theft, thievery on a high scale.´ He said that these policies disproportionately harm young artists who lack the legal or financial means to challenge major tech companies, adding that he personally feels ´incredibly betrayed.´
This criticism follows the government´s recent rejection of proposals from the House of Lords that would require Artificial Intelligence companies to transparently disclose the material used for training their models. The Lords had attempted to amend the Data (Use and Access) Bill to include such transparency requirements, advocating for copyright holders´ permission before their work is used. However, the House of Commons voted to strip these provisions, leaving the bill in legislative limbo as both chambers struggle to reach a compromise. In response, a government spokesperson stressed that ´no changes´ to copyright laws would be pursued unless they adequately support creators, and highlighted ongoing consultations to balance the interests of the creative industries and technology sector.
John´s comments are echoed by industry advocates including UK Music´s CEO Tom Kiehl, who accused the government of risking the future of the nation´s music industry to appease large American tech companies. Playwright James Graham, speaking alongside John, lamented ministers´ perceived ´complacency´ or ´willingness to let Silicon Valley tech bros get it all their own way.´ Ahead of the Lords´ vote, Elton John joined more than 400 British musicians, writers, and artists in an open letter urging the Prime Minister to update copyright laws to proactively protect them from the risks posed by Artificial Intelligence technologies. Fellow signatory and Beatles icon Sir Paul McCartney previously warned that unchecked Artificial Intelligence could lead to a ´Wild West´ for copyright protections. John concluded that unless the government reverses its course, he would consider legal action to defend artists´ rights, vowing to ´fight it all the way.´
