IFPI warns Australia against loosening copyright for AI training
The global recording-industry body IFPI has challenged Australia’s consideration of weaker copyright rules for AI training. Chief executive Victoria Oakley argues that a permissive jurisdiction could affect music from around the world. She points to labels’ existing agreements with smaller AI companies as the Albanese government weighs policy changes and promises fair compensation for creators.
Artificial Intelligence··Morning
Oakley says Australia’s choice would reach beyond its music
A proposed opening for AI training in Australia has drawn opposition from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, or IFPI, which represents recording-industry organisations globally. Its chief executive, Victoria Oakley, argues that music originating anywhere could be used for training in a country with permissive rules. She says Australia risks damage to its standing among creative industries if it accepts the terms sought by large AI companies.[1]
Training access is part of a wider policy review
Copyright is being considered by Anthony Albanese’s government alongside other AI policies, covering data centres, employment, energy and online safety. Developers seek legal certainty before putting money into Australian operations or training there. Anthropic has suggested permitting collection unless owners object. A spokesperson for attorney general Michelle Rowland has said future changes should give creators meaningful control and fair payment. These remain proposals under consideration.[1]
Existing AI licences underpin the industry’s response
Oakley points to dozens of agreements between music labels and smaller AI businesses as evidence that licensing can work. OpenAI has drawn a distinction with streaming: answering parliamentary questions from senator David Pocock, it said Spotify chiefly distributes copyrighted material without transforming it and is therefore expected to obtain licences. Oakley counters that rights holders are willing to negotiate, citing both AI agreements and established relationships with Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple and Tidal.[1]
