Don’t let AI destroy musicians

Sir Paul McCartney has told the BBC that proposed changes to copyright law could allow the “ripping off” of technology that could make it impossible for musicians and artists to make a living.

The government is considering an overhaul of the law that would allow AI developers to use online creators’ content to help develop their models, unless rights holders opt out.

In a rare interview on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Sir Paul said “when we were kids in Liverpool we got a job we loved but it also paid the bills”, warning that the proposals could take away the incentive for writers and artists and result . in a “loss of creativity”.

The government said it aimed to provide legal certainty through a copyright regime that provided creators with “real control” and transparency.

Sir Paul, one of the two surviving members of the Beatles, said: “You get young guys, girls, and they write a beautiful song, and they don’t own it and they don’t have anything to do with it and whoever wants to can tear it apart.”

“The truth is, the money is going somewhere… Someone is getting paid, so why not the one who sat down and wrote Yesterday?”

He called on the government to rethink its plans, saying: “We are the people, you are the government! You have to protect us. That’s your job.

“So you know, if you’re passing a bill, make sure you protect creative thinkers, creative artists, or you’re not going to have them.”

The government is currently consulting on proposals that would allow AI companies to use material that is available online without respecting copyright if they use it to extract text or data.

Generative AI programs mine or learn from large amounts of data such as text, images or music online to generate new content that feels like it was created by a human.

The proposals would give artists or creators a so-called “reserve of rights” – the ability to opt out.

But critics of the plan believe it is not possible for an individual writer or artist to notify thousands of different AI service providers that they do not want their content used in that way, or to monitor what has happened to their work. all over the internet.

An alternative proposal for artists to choose to give their permission for their content to be used will be tabled in the House of Lords by Baroness Kidron this week.

Tom Kiehl, chief executive of music industry body UK Music, said: “The government plans to change copyright law to make it easier for AI firms to use the music of artists, songwriters and music companies without their permission , puts the music industry at great risk.

“It would be a savage blow against the creative sector which is already contributing over £120 billion to the economy and would be counter-productive to the government’s own growth ambitions.

“There is no evidence that creators can effectively ‘opt out’ their work from being trained by AI systems and so this apparent omission does not provide any reassurance to those working in music.”

A government spokesman said the UK music industry was “truly world-class” and had produced “some of the most famous artists in history”.

“That is why we have launched a consultation to ensure that the UK copyright framework provides strong protection for artists in relation to AI,” they said.

“Our goal is to provide legal certainty through a copyright regime that provides creators with real control, transparency and helps them license their content.”

The spokesperson added that the government was “keen to hear the views of the music industry on these proposals” and “will only move forward once we are confident that we are providing clarity, control and transparency for artists and the sector, along with appropriate access in data for AI innovators”.

In 2023, Sir Paul and fellow Beatle Sir Ringo Starr used AI to extract vocals from an unfinished demo left by John Lennon in produce a new song, Now and Then.

The song, billed as the Beatles’ definitive release, attracted widespread praise and has been nominated for two Grammys and a Brit Award.

Sir Paul recently wrapped up his Got Back tour, which saw the 82-year-old play in France, Spain and Brazil before finishing at London’s O2 Arena.

The full interview with Paul McCartney will follow Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg on Sunday 26 January at 09:00 GMT.