Paul McCartney Appeal To UK Government To Protect Artists From AI

Paul McCartney is speaking out against proposed changes to U.K. copyright laws that he believes could leave artists vulnerable in a world that is becoming more and more tech-driven. The former Beatle is urging the government to give the protection of creators top priority as it considers proposals that would permit tech companies to train artificial intelligence (AI) systems using copyrighted content unless rights holders specifically opt-out.

Creativity at Risk

In a recent BBC interview, McCartney expressed concern about how these changes could stifle creativity. “When we were kids in Liverpool, we found a job that we loved, but it also paid the bills,” he said. He’s worried that emerging artists won’t have the same opportunities.

“You get young guys, girls, coming up, and they write a beautiful song, and they don’t own it, and they don’t have anything to do with it,” McCartney said. “And anyone who wants can just rip it off.”

While the proposed law includes a “rights reservation” for creators to opt out of AI training, critics argue this isn’t practical. Tracking AI companies and ensuring compliance would be nearly impossible for individual artists. An alternate proposal that would require creators to opt in before their work is used is being considered.

McCartney was clear in his appeal:

“The money’s going somewhere. Somebody’s getting paid, so why shouldn’t it be the guy who sat down and wrote ‘Yesterday’?”

The Role of AI in Music

Interestingly, McCartney has experience with AI himself. In 2023, he and Ringo Starr completed the Beatles’ final song, “Now and Then,” using AI technology to clean up John Lennon’s original vocal track. This “de-mixing” process, as seen in Peter Jackson’s Get Back docuseries, restored audio without creating fake content.

However, McCartney draws a firm line between restorative AI and generative AI, which creates entirely new content. “There’s no ‘fake Lennon’ on “Now and Then” — just a cleaned-up version of his actual voice,” he explained.

A Call to Action

McCartney is urging the government to think carefully about the future of creativity. “We’re the people, you’re the government! You’re supposed to protect us,” he said. He warned that if lawmakers fail to safeguard creative rights, the world could lose the artists who make it richer. He concluded:

“If there’s such a thing as a government, it’s their responsibility, I would think, to protect the young people.
“To make sure these people have jobs and can enhance the world with their wonderful art.”

This debate underscores the delicate balance between innovation and artistic rights in the age of AI.