1,000 Artists Unite to Release ‘Silent’ Album in Bold Protest Against UK Copyright Sell-Out to AI
The U.K. government is actively revising copyright laws to encourage the growth of AI companies in the region. These proposed changes would enable developers to train AI models using artists’ online content without prior permission or compensation, unless artists choose to opt out. However, this initiative has sparked significant controversy among musicians and creators.
Musicians Protest Copyright Law Changes with a Silent Album
In a bold move, over 1,000 musicians have united to release a “silent album” titled Is This What We Want? This project aims to protest the U.K. government’s upcoming copyright law alterations. Notable contributors include:
- Kate Bush
- Imogen Heap
- Max Richter
- Thomas Hewitt Jones
- Annie Lennox
- Damon Albarn
- Billy Ocean
- The Clash
- Mystery Jets
- Yusuf / Cat Stevens
- Riz Ahmed
- Tori Amos
- Hans Zimmer
Symbolism Behind the Silent Album
This album is not a traditional collection of music; rather, it features recordings of empty studios and performance spaces, symbolizing the potential impact of the proposed copyright changes. As Hewitt Jones humorously noted, “You can hear my cats moving around” in his contribution. The album’s twelve track titles convey a clear message: The British government must not legalize music theft to benefit AI companies. You can listen to the album here.
The Global Concern Over AI and Copyright
The release of this album is part of a broader movement to raise awareness about the implications of copyright in AI training. Artists across the globe, including those in the U.S., are joining forces to address this critical issue.
Petition Against AI Training Without Licensing
Ed Newton-Rex, the organizer of the silent album project, is also leading a campaign against AI training practices that lack proper licensing. His petition has garnered over 47,000 signatures from writers, visual artists, actors, and others in the creative industries, with nearly 10,000 signatures collected in just five weeks since the government’s announcement of its AI strategy.
A Nonprofit Initiative for Artists
Newton-Rex has been running a nonprofit focused on AI for the past year, certifying companies that respect copyright laws. His journey into advocacy stems from his background as a classically trained composer and his experience in creating the AI music composition platform, Jukedeck, which was later acquired by TikTok.
Implications of Proposed Copyright Changes
As the U.K. prepares for these copyright law changes, artists who wish to protect their work will have to actively opt out. Newton-Rex warns that this system creates a challenging situation for creators, stating, “We know that opt-out schemes are just not taken up.” He predicts that this could lead to 90% to 95% of artists’ work being exploited by AI companies.
Exploring Alternative Markets for Protection
To safeguard their creations, artists are considering distributing their work in regions with stronger copyright protections, such as Switzerland. Newton-Rex expressed concern over the long-standing advice to share work online for exposure, which is now being exploited by AI companies and governments.
Support for Musicians
The silent album will be made available on various music platforms soon, with proceeds going to Help Musicians, a charity dedicated to supporting musicians in need. This initiative not only highlights the ongoing struggle for artists but also encourages listeners to support their favorite creators.
