Senator David Pocock has called on the Australian government to prevent technology companies from using Australian content to train artificial intelligence models, as cabinet deliberates on potential changes to copyright laws concerning AI development. Competing proposals are reportedly being considered, with divisions between the Department of Industry, Science and Resources and the Attorney-General’s Department.
One approach involves creating new exemptions from copyright rules in exchange for increased investment in Australian-based data centers. Alternatively, the government might extend existing licensing arrangements to encompass AI model development, allowing AI firms to utilize Australian content for their commercial products. A new fund for creative industries is also a possibility.
Pocock indicated that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese might announce a plan around July 15, potentially including expedited approvals and investment for new data centers. However, Minister Tim Ayres criticized Pocock's public airing of the issue, asserting that the government would not compromise copyright protections and emphasizing the importance of sovereign technological capability.
Ayres stated, "It is not this government’s view that we should just be a cork bobbing on the ocean of other people’s technology and a customer at the long end of technology supply chains, that is not in our interest." He also praised Assistant Minister Andrew Charlton's handling of AI policy.
Senator Sarah Hanson-Young of the Greens called for a halt to the construction and approval of new data centers until regulations are adequate, warning of a "tech bro free-for-all" that could strain power and water resources and disadvantage Australian artists and businesses. A spokesperson for Ayres later clarified that the government has ruled out a text and data mining exception, stating, "Our position has not changed."
