LONDON – The album “Is This What We Want?” released on Tuesday, gathers the notable silence of over 1,000 artists, voicing through quietude their concern over potential changes to British artificial intelligence legislation. This album protests proposed adjustments which artists worry could undermine their creative autonomy.
Renowned British musicians like Kate Bush, Annie Lennox, Cat Stevens, and Damon Albarn have offered contributions to this unique project. The British government is currently contemplating whether tech companies can utilize copyrighted content for AI training unless creators explicitly prohibit it. Critics, including music legends Elton John and Paul McCartney, argue this could weaken the control artists have over their work and negatively impact the UK’s creative industries.
The album’s quiet tracks, described as “almost silence,” feature recordings of vacant studios and performance spaces, explained composer and AI developer Ed Newton-Rex, who spearheaded the album. These somber tones aim to prophecy the outcome if the new legislation comes into effect.
Highlighting its universally applicable concern, Newton-Rex mentioned that the album gathers contributions from both famous musicians and less-known artists. This collective effort indicates that these changes impact every artist, regardless of fame.
The titles of the 12 tracks collectively send a stark message: “The British government must not legalize music theft to benefit AI companies.” Proceeds from the album will be donated to Help Musicians, a charity supporting the country’s musicians.
Newton-Rex criticized the government’s suggestions, insisting the proposals could effectively hand over musicians’ life work to AI firms gratis, enabling them to eclipse musicians using their creations. He contends that it is feasible for the UK to lead in AI development without jeopardizing its world-class creative sectors.
The current government, led by the center-left Labour Party, aspires to position the UK as a frontrunner in AI technology. In December, they launched a consultation on new copyright guidelines aimed at balancing creators’ rights and fair compensation with accessible, high-quality content for AI developers.
This consultation has mobilized artists, publishers, and media entities, including The Associated Press. These groups, joined under the Creative Rights in AI Coalition, have pushed back against any dilution of copyright protections. Major UK newspapers also participated in the protest, featuring wraparound covers to stress the importance of preserving the creative industries.
A government statement insists on finding a balanced approach that benefits both AI developers and right holders, aiming for a mutually prosperous solution. As the consultation closes, the government affirms that no definitive decisions have yet been made.
