The UK government is advancing plans to attract more AI companies by altering copyright laws. These proposed changes would enable AI developers to train models using artists’ content found online—without requiring permission or payment—unless creators proactively opt out. However, this move has sparked widespread controversy, particularly among musicians and other artists who fear it could lead to mass exploitation of their work.
The Silent Protest: “Is This What We Want?”
On Monday, a collective of 1,000 musicians released a unique protest album titled Is This What We Want? Featuring artists such as Kate Bush, Imogen Heap, Max Richter, and Thomas Hewitt Jones, the album does not contain conventional music. Instead, it presents recordings of empty studios and performance spaces—a stark representation of what artists fear will happen if AI companies are permitted to use their work without consent.
Notable contributors include Annie Lennox, Damon Albarn, Billy Ocean, The Clash, Mystery Jets, Yusuf / Cat Stevens, Riz Ahmed, Tori Amos, and Hans Zimmer. The album’s 12 tracks spell out a direct message: “The British government must not legalize music theft to benefit AI companies.”
The Bigger Picture: AI and Copyright Concerns
The controversy surrounding AI’s use of copyrighted material is not limited to the UK. Similar protests are happening in the U.S. and other countries, as artists globally demand stronger protections against unauthorized AI training on their works.
Ed Newton-Rex, the project’s organizer, has been at the forefront of this campaign. He launched a petition that has garnered over 47,000 signatures from writers, visual artists, actors, and musicians, with nearly 10,000 joining in the past five weeks alone.
Newton-Rex: From AI Innovator to Advocate for Artists
Newton-Rex’s unique background provides him with a deep understanding of both sides of the debate. A classically trained composer, he founded Jukedeck, an AI-driven music composition platform, which won the TechCrunch Startup Battlefield competition in 2015. After Jukedeck was acquired by TikTok, Newton-Rex worked at companies like Snap and Stability before shifting his focus to advocating for artist rights. Today, he leads a nonprofit that certifies AI companies that refrain from using copyrighted material without permission.
The Issue with Opt-Out Policies
Under the proposed UK copyright law changes, artists who do not want their work used for AI training would have to opt out manually. However, Newton-Rex argues that opt-out systems rarely work effectively, and without a proper tracking mechanism, most artists’ work will still be used without their consent.
“This is just going to give 90% to 95% of people’s work to AI companies,” he warned.
Seeking Protection Elsewhere
As a result of these proposed changes, some artists are looking to distribute their work in countries with stronger copyright protections. Thomas Hewitt Jones, for instance, has considered moving his music distribution to Switzerland. In a dramatic protest, he even threw a keyboard into a harbor in Kent, symbolizing his frustration over the situation.
The Dilemma for Artists
Many artists now feel torn between sharing their work online for exposure and risking its unauthorized use by AI companies. Newton-Rex describes a growing trend where artists are choosing to stop creating and sharing music altogether to protect their intellectual property.
Album Release and Proceeds
Is This What We Want? will be widely available on music platforms starting Tuesday. Proceeds and donations from its streaming and sales will go to Help Musicians, a charity supporting artists in need.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.What changes is the UK government proposing to copyright law?
The government plans to allow AI companies to train their models using online content without permission or payment unless creators proactively opt out.
2.Why are artists protesting these changes?
Artists argue that these changes undermine their rights, allowing AI companies to profit from their work without compensation.
3.What is the significance of the album Is This What We Want??
The album is a silent protest, using recordings of empty studios to symbolize what artists fear will happen if their work is used without consent.
4.Who are some of the notable artists involved in the protest?
Artists like Kate Bush, Imogen Heap, Annie Lennox, Damon Albarn, Billy Ocean, and Hans Zimmer have contributed to the album.
5.What message do the track titles spell out?
They form a statement: “The British government must not legalize music theft to benefit AI companies.”
6.How does Ed Newton-Rex fit into this movement?
Newton-Rex, a former AI music entrepreneur, has shifted to advocating for artists’ rights and has launched a petition with over 47,000 signatures.
7.What are the concerns with the opt-out policy?
Critics argue that opt-out systems are ineffective and lack proper tracking, making it easy for AI companies to exploit artists’ work.
8.What actions are artists taking in response?
Some artists are considering distributing their work in countries with stronger copyright protections, like Switzerland.
9.What role does AI play in music creation?
AI is being used to generate music by training on existing works, often without permission from original creators.
10.Where will the proceeds from the album go?
All proceeds and donations will be directed to Help Musicians, a charity supporting artists.
Conclusion
The UK government’s proposed copyright law changes have ignited a fierce debate about the ethical implications of AI training on copyrighted works. While AI offers promising innovations, artists fear losing control over their creations. The silent protest album, Is This What We Want?, is a powerful statement against what many perceive as legalized exploitation.
With global attention on the issue, it remains to be seen whether policymakers will revise their approach to better balance AI advancement with the rights of creators. Until then, artists continue to fight for protections that ensure their work is valued and respected in the digital age.
