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Music publishers say Australia alone weighs easing AI copyright
A global publishers’ body says AI firms lobbied dozens of governments and only Canberra is listening, as an inquiry asks for a copyright rethink.
The International Confederation of Music Publishers (ICMP), whose members include Universal, Warner, Sony and thousands of independents, says that, of the dozens of countries AI firms have lobbied, only Australia is considering looser copyright rules for AI. Its managing director, John Phelan, told Guardian Australia, in a report published on Monday 19 October 2026, that 62 countries have looked at changing their laws for AI, and only Australia is still open to the companies’ demands.
Phelan says the companies are trying to strong-arm Australian policymakers: change the law or lose their investment. ICMP also showed Guardian Australia that Google’s Gemini could reproduce lyrics by Nick Cave, G-Flip and Kylie Minogue, which it presents as evidence that their work is already in AI training data.
The pressure point is a parliamentary inquiry into AI. In an open letter to the prime minister last week, the inquiry asked for a fresh look at copyright law that keeps creators paid and in charge of their work, AAP reports. Its full report is due in November. Independent senator David Pocock says markups show an adviser in the prime minister’s office vetted the recommendations first; the inquiry’s chair, Jo Briskey, rejects the claim.
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, used the word “theft” in July for artists losing control of their work to AI.
The outcome sets whether AI firms need a licence before training on Australian songs, films and news.
Sources
- The Guardian: Kylie Minogue songs already used to train AI as tech firms ‘strong-arm’ Australian government, music body warns. Checked
- Newcastle Herald (AAP): ‘Pre-vetting’ accusation as politicians grapple with AI. Checked
Alexandre S.
Alexandre S. is a creative ad strategist and copywriter with ten years' experience in digital marketing across multiple channels.
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