Music Body Warns Australia Against Weakening AI Copyright Rules

The global peak body for the music recording industry has warned that weakening copyright protections for artificial intelligence companies would be dangerous and detrimental to global culture. Victoria Oakley, CEO of the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, stated that the Albanese government risks damaging Australia's reputation by entertaining big tech demands to loosen legal standards.

While local creatives have raised constitutional issues and threatened political backlash, international members are concerned Australia might agree to demands rejected by other nations. Oakley questioned why a democratic country with strong cultural power would choose to dismiss its own creativity based on the promises of a few large AI firms. She noted that companies have made similar proposals in the US, UK, and elsewhere, cautioning that Australia must not become the weakest link.

Relaxing copyright protections for artificial intelligence threatens global culture and creative industries everywhere.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese previously promised strong protections and labeled unpaid use as theft. However, creative industries remain alarmed after AI developers requested exemptions to train on Australian material. Some technology firms argue that existing copyright law is too difficult to navigate, suggesting an opt-out model instead.

Oakley dismissed claims that growth requires giving in to tech demands, pointing out that numerous licensing deals have already been established with smaller AI companies worldwide. She emphasized that a willing community of rights holders exists and that standard market practices should apply. Meanwhile, Attorney-General Michelle Rowland’s office stated that the government remains committed to supporting creatives and ensuring meaningful control and fair compensation.

Why it matters

The potential policy shift in Australia carries global implications for creative industries. Because AI models can ingest data from anywhere in the world, watering down local protections risks creating a wider contagion that could affect rights holders across international borders.