Elton John and Dua Lipa join chorus demanding AI transparency and fair use

Over 400 prominent British artists, including Sir Elton John, Dua Lipa, and Kazuo Ishiguro, have mobilized to demand stronger copyright protections against AI usage of their creative works. Their letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlights a growing tension between creative industries and AI development, as artists seek transparency and licensing control over how their intellectual property is used to train AI models. This confrontation represents a critical battleground in defining how creative works will be valued and protected in an increasingly AI-driven economy.

The big picture: Hundreds of British creative professionals are urging the prime minister to update copyright laws to shield their work from unauthorized use by artificial intelligence systems.

• The letter, signed by more than 400 musicians, writers, and artists, warns that without proper protections, their creative output could be exploited by tech companies without permission or compensation.
• High-profile signatories include Dua Lipa, Sir Elton John, Sir Ian McKellen, Florence Welch, Kazuo Ishiguro, David Hare, Kate Bush, Robbie Williams, Coldplay, Tom Stoppard, and Richard Curtis.

What they’re saying: The artists position themselves as essential contributors to the UK’s cultural and economic landscape who deserve protection.

• “We are wealth creators, we reflect and promote the national stories, we are the innovators of the future, and AI needs us as much as it needs energy and computer skills,” the letter states.

The solution they propose: The creative professionals are backing a specific amendment to pending legislation that would increase transparency around AI training practices.

• Baroness Beeban Kidron’s amendment to the Data (Use and Access) Bill would require AI developers to disclose when they use copyrighted creative works to train their models.
• Proponents argue this would facilitate the development of licensing systems that balance AI innovation with protection for human creators.

Counterpoints: The artists’ proposal faces opposition from those concerned about potential economic impacts.

• Julia Willemyns from the Centre for British Progress think tank warned that such copyright restrictions could limit UK economic growth and potentially drive AI development offshore.