Elton John Threatens To Sue UK Government Over Copyright And AI

MusicTech

May 19

Sir Elton John joined the fight against AI after a disappointing response from the government. On Monday, May 12, the House of Lords took a vote to protect artists’ intellectual property by requiring AI developers to seek permission to use copyrighted work in their data training. Despite the 147 majority, the House of Commons rejected any change, saying that no change will be considered “unless we are completely satisfied they work for creators." John described the government’s response as a betrayal and called them absolute losers before indicating that the government’s response is, in essence, criminal.

John said, "The House of Lords did a vote, and it was more than two to one in our favour. The government just looked at it as if to say, 'Hmm, well the old people ... like me can afford it.'" John elaborated that the cost to the young artists includes both their livelihood and their legacies. John isn’t alone in the fight. Playwright James Graham claimed that ministers understand creativity’s value but have a frustrating tendency “to let Silicon Valley tech bros get it all their own way.”

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Before the House of Lords voted, over 400 British musicians, writers, and artists signed a petition for protection from copyright laws. As AI technology advances and is constantly inserted into a variety of media, creatives from multiple fields have started fighting back. From the Hollywood writers and actors’ strikes of 2023 to the ongoing video game strike, studios have struggled to incorporate this new technology without displacing or disrupting jobs. Until protections arise for the intellectual and creative property of artists, this struggle will continue.

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