Key facts
- Artists in Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's electorate are protesting a proposed government policy on AI scraping of creative works.
- The proposal could allow AI companies to use Australian creatives' works by default, potentially weakening copyright law.
- Creatives argue this could lead to exploitation and decimate the Australian artistic ecosystem.
- Some AI companies have requested easier access to material for training models.
- The government is considering draft laws expected by the end of the year, with parliamentary review in 2027.
Artists in Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's Sydney electorate of Grayndler are expressing dismay over a federal government proposal that could allow AI companies to freely scrape their creative works. The government is considering changes to copyright law as part of broader AI reforms, with some AI firms pushing for an 'opt-out' system rather than requiring explicit licenses.
Creatives, including screenprinter Pete Strong and artist Lu Campbell-Smith, argue that such a move would exploit their labor and devalue their work, likening the current AI landscape to a "wild west" and an "extraction industry." H Morgan-Harris, director of Tortuga Studios, warned that the Australian creative ecosystem risks being "decimated."
Despite Albanese's assurances of protection, the proposed changes have sparked significant backlash within his traditionally safe Labor seat. Independent candidate Hannah Ferguson is reportedly betting on waning popularity, with recent polling showing Albanese's disapproval rating at 56%.