The Australian government has clearly said it will not change copyright laws to let artificial intelligence companies freely use creative works without permission or payment. This decision comes after strong protests from artists and the creative industry, who worried that removing copyright protection would hurt their rights and income.
The idea of giving AI companies a copyright exemption was suggested in a recent Productivity Commission report, which said AI could bring big economic benefits to Australia. However, many artists were shocked and angry at the suggestion, stressing that companies should pay for using their work, even if it’s for AI training. Attorney-General Michelle Rowland made it clear the government will not allow any text and data mining exception for AI, saying artists must be paid fairly and have control over how their work is used.
Singer-songwriter Holly Rankin (Jack River) and other creative leaders supported the decision but called for more action, such as transparency standards for AI companies. They want to make sure artists know when and how their content is used, and to make it easier to receive proper royalties. Industry experts, like the heads of Screenrights and ARIA, also welcomed the government’s strong stance, saying it shows the tech sector must respect copyright and start working on fair licensing arrangements.
This debate highlights the importance of balancing AI innovation, digital copyright, content creator rights, and fair payment in the fast-changing world of artificial intelligence.
