SIR Paul McCartney has warned proposed changes to copyright law will allow AI to rip off musicians.
The ex-Beatle is worried that ministers are considering letting AI developers use creators’ content online — unless the rights holders have opted out.
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Macca, 82, told the BBC: “You get young guys, girls, coming up, and they write a beautiful song, and they don’t own it, and they don’t have anything to do with it.
“And anyone who wants can just rip it off.”
Referring to his band’s 1965 hit Yesterday, he said: “The truth is, the money’s going somewhere.
“Somebody’s getting paid, so why shouldn’t it be the guy who sat down and wrote Yesterday?”
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He called on the Labour Government to rethink the plans, adding: “We are the people, you’re the Government.
“You’re supposed to protect us.
“That’s your job.
“So you know, if you’re putting through a Bill, make sure you protect the creative thinkers, the creative artists, or you’re not going to have them.”
A consultation, which will run until February 25, is looking at how artists can license and be remunerated for use of their material.
Critics say the idea of artists opting out is unworkable.
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A Government spokesperson said: “Our aim is to deliver legal certainty through a copyright regime that provides creators with real control, transparency, and helps them license their content.
“We are keen to hear the views of the music industry on these proposals and no move will be made until we are absolutely confident that we are delivering clarity, control and transparency for artists and the sector, alongside appropriate access to data for AI innovators.”
