Key facts
- AI models have been trained on works by artists including Kylie Minogue and Nick Cave without compensation.
- The ICMP warns that tech firms are lobbying Australian policymakers to weaken copyright laws for AI training.
- Google's Gemini was able to reproduce lyrics from Australian artists, according to ICMP evidence.
- 62 countries have considered legal changes but none have introduced new text and data mining exceptions for commercial AI training.
- A parliamentary committee recommended the government examine copyright settings to ensure creators are paid for AI training.
The International Confederation of Music Publishers (ICMP) has warned that artificial intelligence companies are using copyrighted works of Australian artists, including Kylie Minogue and Nick Cave, to train AI models without compensation. The global music rights body claims tech firms are lobbying the Australian government to weaken copyright laws, a move that 62 other countries have reportedly resisted. ICMP managing director John Phelan accused AI companies of attempting to "legitimise larceny" and "strong-arm" policymakers into accepting their demands. Google's Gemini has been shown to reproduce lyrics from Australian artists, according to evidence provided by ICMP. A parliamentary committee on artificial intelligence has recommended that the government examine copyright settings to ensure creators retain control and are paid for the use of their work in AI training.