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McCartney warns proposed AI laws risk ‘loss of creativity’

Arts Professional
2 min read

Sir Paul McCartney has warned that government proposals for new copyright laws could “rip off” artists.

Speaking to the BBC, the musician said allowing AI developers to use creators’ content on the internet to help develop their models, unless the rights holders opt out, could remove the incentive for writers and artists and result in a “loss of creativity”.

As part of a 10-week consultation launched last month on how to reform the UK’s copyright framework, the government says its preferred option would be to introduce a data mining exception involving a “rights reservation package”.

McCartney has appealed to government to rethink the plans.

“We’re the people, you’re the government. You’re supposed to protect us. That’s your job,” he said.

“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.”

The consultation, which is open for feedback from anyone on one or more of the proposals, will run until 25 February. The government says it will then use responses to shape its proposed approach “to allow the creative industries and AI sectors to continue to grow together in partnership”.