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The Fashion Central
The Fashion Central
George Hughes

Elton John and '400 artists' appeal government to introduce AI copyright laws

Photos: File

Legendary musician Sir Elton John has joined forces with over 400 fellow artists to voice growing concerns over copyright protection in an era increasingly shaped by Artificial Intelligence (AI). The group has formally appealed to the U.K. government to take legislative action that ensures creators’ rights are upheld in the face of advancing technology.

The collective, which includes high-profile names such as Paul McCartney, Coldplay, and Dua Lipa, sent a letter addressed to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, urging immediate intervention to safeguard the creative industries. The appeal comes just days ahead of a pivotal vote on the issue in the House of Lords, scheduled for Monday, May 12.

Taking to Instagram to share the initiative, Elton John posted a copy of the letter and emphasized the urgency of the situation.

“We, along with 400 other creatives, have signed and sent this letter to the Prime Minister, urging him to give Government support to proposals that would protect copyright in the age of AI,” the 78-year-old singer wrote.

“This comes ahead of a crunch vote on the plans in the House of Lords on Monday 12th May.” John also extended his gratitude to Baroness Beeban Kidron, a Member of the House of Lords and a vocal supporter of the initiative.

“We thank Baroness Kidron for her support and hope that parliamentarians across the political spectrum will listen and vote to support the UK’s creative industries,” he added.

The letter highlights the increasing threat posed by AI technologies, particularly those capable of replicating voices, lyrics, and melodies without consent or compensation. Artists argue that without updated legal frameworks, AI systems may exploit original works, undermining decades of intellectual and artistic labor.

According to the signatories, failing to act now could have lasting consequences on the sustainability and integrity of the U.K.’s globally influential music and arts sector.

The campaign underscores a broader global conversation about how AI should interact with intellectual property laws. While AI presents vast opportunities, artists insist it must not come at the cost of their rights and livelihoods.

With the House of Lords set to debate the issue, the creative community is watching closely, hopeful that lawmakers will recognize the urgency of preserving artistic integrity in the age of algorithms and automation.

Elton John’s call to action reflects a rising demand among artists for governments to ensure that human creativity remains protected, respected, and rightfully rewarded.

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