Creative Sectors Rally Against Proposed AI Copyright Changes, Warn of ‘Rampant Theft’ of Australian Content

A new interim report from Australia’s Productivity Commission has sparked intense backlash from the country’s creative sectors. Many are voicing concerns over proposed changes to copyright law, which would allow AI developers to access and use copyrighted content for training purposes without any need for licensing agreements, permission, or remuneration.

Many creative groups have demanded that the government disallow big tech companies from taking Australian content to train their AI models, with concerns that such a shift would “sell out” Australian workers and lead to “rampant theft” of intellectual property.

The Albanese government has said it has no plans to change copyright law, but any changes must consider the effects on artists and news media. The opposition leader, Sussan Ley, has demanded that copyrighted material not be used without compensation.Industry groups are now calling on the federal government to reject the Commission’s current framing and consult more deeply with Australian creatives.