A new album titled “Is This What We Want?” has been launched by over 1,000 musicians in the UK as a form of protest against potential alterations to artificial intelligence (AI) laws. The album, which includes contributions from renowned artists such as Kate Bush, Annie Lennox, Cat Stevens, and Damon Albarn, was released on Tuesday.
The primary concern of these artists revolves around the British government's ongoing consultation regarding the potential allowance for tech firms to utilize copyrighted material for training AI models unless creators explicitly opt out. Critics fear that such a move could significantly impact artists' ability to maintain control over their work and could potentially undermine the creative industries in the UK.
Notable figures like Elton John and Paul McCartney have publicly voiced their opposition to the proposed plan. The protest album itself features recordings of empty studios and performance spaces, symbolizing the potential fate of creative venues if the changes are implemented. The titles of the 12 tracks on the album collectively spell out a clear message: “The British government must not legalize music theft to benefit AI companies.”
All profits generated from the album will be donated to Help Musicians, a charity supporting musicians. Composer and AI developer Ed Newton-Rex, who spearheaded the album project, emphasized the detrimental impact the government's proposal could have on musicians, describing it as a plan that would allow AI companies to exploit artists' work without compensation.
Despite the UK government's ambition to position the country as a global leader in AI, concerns persist within the creative community regarding the potential consequences of the proposed changes. The government's consultation on copyright law and AI usage is set to conclude imminently.
Various stakeholders, including publishers, artists' organizations, and media companies, have united under the Creative Rights in AI Coalition to oppose any measures that could weaken copyright protections. The coalition aims to safeguard the interests of the creative industries in the UK and ensure fair treatment for artists in the digital age.
On Tuesday, several UK newspapers featured wraparounds on their front pages condemning the government's consultation and advocating for the protection of creative industries. The message conveyed was clear: “Let’s protect the creative industries — it’s only fair.”
