DistantNews
Support us
🇬🇧 United Kingdom /Technology

AI firms push to weaken Australian copyright laws, artists outraged

From The Guardian · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Australian artists and authors are concerned that the government may weaken copyright laws, allowing AI companies to use their work to train large language models.
  • Tech giants are lobbying for an exemption, while ministers are divided between attracting AI investment and protecting creatives' rights.
  • Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to address AI regulation, but a decision on copyright reform is delayed amidst internal government splits.

Australian creatives are sounding the alarm over potential changes to copyright law that could allow artificial intelligence companies to "hoover up" their work for profit. Authors, artists, musicians, and media organizations fear the government might backtrack on assurances that existing laws would not be weakened to grant AI firms a legal exemption for training large language models like ChatGPT.

victim of crime

— Anna FunderThe author used this analogy to describe how technology companies have used her literary works for their own profit.

Anna Funder, author of "Stasiland," described herself as a "victim of crime" at a press conference, highlighting how her literary works have been "flagrantly" used by tech companies. She emphasized the crucial role of copyright in protecting the livelihoods of Australians who produce original content.

The lobbying efforts by tech giants have fueled fears, especially after a whistleblower alerted independent Senator David Pocock. This has exposed divisions within the ruling Labor party. Ministers like Tim Ayres and Andrew Charlton are enthusiastic about attracting AI investment, while Attorney-General Michelle Rowland and Arts Minister Tony Burke are committed to safeguarding creatives' rights.

hoovered up

— Anna FunderDescribing how technology companies have used her literary works without permission.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to deliver a speech on the government's AI strategy. While a detailed policy announcement on copyright reform is not expected, the government's approach to AI regulation has reportedly shifted from a hands-off stance to a more interventionist one. The ongoing debate highlights the tension between fostering technological advancement and protecting intellectual property.

These are complex issues, we’re working it through with the sector. But my government, I think, has a strong record of supporting people; one, having control over things that they have created, and secondly, if things are being used, being paid for it, bei

— Anthony AlbaneseThe Prime Minister sought to reassure creatives when asked if copyright safeguards were at risk.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Guardian in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog