Australia’s leading music and creative organizations have united to demand that the government enforce existing copyright laws to protect artists from unauthorized use of their works in artificial intelligence training. This coalition, representing prominent industry bodies, seeks clear legal safeguards ensuring that AI developers cannot exploit copyrighted content without permission or fair payment.
The group emphasizes that Australia’s current copyright framework already covers such issues and should apply fully to AI technologies. They warn against any weakening of these protections, noting the government previously rejected a proposal that would have permitted AI companies to use creative works without compensation. Instead, the coalition insists creators must retain the right to approve AI use of their works and receive remuneration when consent is granted.
In an open letter spearheaded by organizations including APRA AMCOS, ARIA, The Copyright Agency, and others, the industry stresses the importance of accountability from technology platforms. They argue that consent, control, and compensation form the foundation of creative careers and underpin a multibillion-dollar local industry, which could face severe economic harm if rights are diluted.
The concerns follow revelations that millions of musical works by Australian and New Zealand artists—among them Kylie Minogue, Sia, Nick Cave, and Tame Impala—were reportedly used without authorization in AI training datasets. APRA AMCOS’s CEO described this as the largest intellectual property theft in the history of their industry and called for artists and members to support the call for government action.
Industry leaders caution that changing copyright laws to legalize unauthorized AI use would undermine a functioning licensing market, damage the future of local creativity, and eliminate potential opportunities for artists and music businesses in the AI landscape. The coalition’s appeal urges the Australian government to uphold protections that respect the rights of creators amid rapidly advancing AI technology.