Elton John slams plan to let AI use artists’ work without paying. The UK’s new bill comes under fire

by

AI is a subject that sparks diverse perspectives among people. On the one side, tech moguls such as Jensen Huang from Nvidia are ardent advocates of incorporating AI tools like Gemini, ChatGPT, and Grok into our daily routines. Microsoft is even experimenting with its own tool, Muse. However, when it comes to applying AI in creative fields – such as music, literature, or art – a completely different dialogue ensues.

Creative rights in the age of AI

As an ardent fan of Elton John, I can tell you that he’s making his voice heard regarding the UK’s new Data (Use and Access) Bill. This potential legislation seems to give tech companies free rein to utilize creative works, such as songs, books, and other art, for AI training without seeking permission or compensating the original creators first. In Elton’s own words, he finds this practice appalling, likening it to a “criminal offense” and outright “grand-scale theft.

Elton is particularly concerned about young artists who lack the means to resist big tech’s dominance. In an interview with BBC, he openly criticized the government, labeling their inaction as a betrayal and went as far as to call them “absolute failures” for failing to shield creators from AI exploitation.

Not only is he standing alone, but there are more than 400 artists, such as Paul McCartney and Ed Sheeran, who have joined him in expressing concern. They argue that this bill might significantly impact those earning a living from their artistic endeavors.

Essentially, this discussion revolves around striking an appropriate equilibrium: fostering technological advancement while safeguarding the intellectual properties of creators in our current digital era. Although the British government aims to be a pioneer in AI technology, this legislation might unintentionally diminish human creativity and potentially harm the United Kingdom’s creative sectors.

Read More

2025-05-22 19:02