On Tuesday, more than 1,000 musicians, including the likes of Annie Lennox, Damon Albarn, and Kate Bush, released a silent album titled "Is This What We Want?" in a powerful protest against the UK government's proposed changes to copyright law. These changes, they argue, would make it easier for AI companies to train models using copyrighted work without obtaining a license.
According to the new proposals, AI developers could use creators' content available on the internet to help develop their models, unless the rights holders choose to opt out. This has sparked concern among artists who fear the potential impact on their livelihoods and the broader UK music industry.
The album, supported by high-profile musicians such as Billy Ocean, Ed O'Brien of Radiohead, and Dan Smith from Bastille, features recordings of empty studios and performance spaces. This artistic expression highlights the potential impact of the proposed law change. Notably, all profits from the album will be donated to the charity Help Musicians.
The track listing delivers a clear message: "The British government must not legalise music theft to benefit AI companies." The government is currently consulting on proposals that would permit AI companies to use online material without respecting copyright if they are leveraging it for text or data mining.
Generative AI programs mine, or learn, from vast amounts of data like text, images, or music online to generate new content that mimics human creation. While the proposals provide artists or creators the ability to opt out, critics argue that it is impractical for individuals to notify thousands of different AI service providers or monitor their work across the internet.
A spokesperson for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) stated that the UK's current regime for copyright and AI is hindering the creative industries, media, and AI sector from reaching their full potential. The government is consulting on a new approach that aims to safeguard the interests of both AI developers and rights holders, ensuring both can thrive.
They emphasized that no decisions have been made, and no actions will be taken until a practical plan is in place that meets all objectives. The artists involved in the protest, including Imogen Heap, Yusuf aka Cat Stevens, and Riz Ahmed, echo these concerns.
Composer Max Richter pointed out that the plans would not only affect musicians but impoverish creators across various fields, from writers to visual artists. In 2023, UK music contributed a record £7.6 billion to the economy, highlighting the significance of protecting this industry.
Ed Newton-Rex, the organiser of the silent album, criticized the proposals as disastrous and unnecessary, arguing that the UK can lead in AI innovation without undermining its world-leading creative industries. Singer-songwriter Naomi Kimpenu added that the government should not abandon artists and allow their work to be exploited for the profit of big tech, potentially shattering the prospects of many emerging artists in the UK.
In January, Sir Paul McCartney expressed concerns to the BBC, warning that the changes could enable technology that might make it impossible for musicians and artists to earn a living.
