More than a thousand musicians, including Kate Bush and Yusuf Islam, have released a silent album in protest against proposed changes to British copyright law. The new regulations would allow artificial intelligence companies to train their models using copyrighted music without the creators’ permission.
Artists Speak Out Against AI’s Impact on Copyright
This initiative comes amid growing concerns from artists worldwide about the ethical and legal implications of AI. Many argue that artificial intelligence models are trained on internet-sourced material without compensating copyright holders.
Britain’s AI Plan and the Music Industry’s Response
Under the leadership of Keir Starmer, the British government aims to position the UK as a global hub for AI development. As part of this strategy, it plans to relax copyright laws, reducing the exclusive control that musicians, writers, and playwrights currently have over their work.
According to the proposed regulation—open for public consultation until Tuesday—AI companies would be granted the right to train their models on any legally accessible material. While creators could request an exception for their works, the responsibility for protecting intellectual property would shift onto them.
Many artists argue that this change undermines the fundamental principle of copyright law, which has traditionally ensured that creators maintain exclusive control over their own work.
“In the music of the future, will our voices be heard?” asked Kate Bush, whose 1985 hit Running Up That Hill experienced a major resurgence in 2022 thanks to Stranger Things.
A Silent Album as Protest
The protest album, Is This What We Want?, co-produced by Kate Bush, consists of recordings from empty studios and silent music venues. It symbolizes the absence of music and the potential consequences these changes could have on artists.
Responding to the backlash, a government spokesperson stated that existing copyright laws hinder both creative industries and AI development. However, they assured the public that discussions are ongoing and that no final decisions have been made.
Support from Major Artists
In addition to Kate Bush and Yusuf Islam, several prominent musicians have voiced their opposition to the proposed legislation, including:
- Annie Lennox
- Billy Ocean
- Hans Zimmer
- Tori Amos
- The Clash
The battle over music and copyright in the age of AI is only just beginning.
