# Music body warns Australia against weakening AI copyright law

> The global recording industry peak body has warned the Albanese government that allowing AI companies to train on copyrighted material without permission would be 'ridiculous and dangerous' and damage Australia's creative reputation.
- Title: Music body warns Australia against weakening AI copyright law
- Summary: The global recording industry peak body has warned the Albanese government that allowing AI companies to train on copyrighted material without permission…
- Keywords: ifpi, victoria oakley, albanese government, australia, copyright law, ai training, music industry, creative industries, anthropic, the Guardian
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/technology/2026/nov/09/weakening-ai-copyright-law-will-spell-disaster-for-creativity-australia
- Published: 2026-11-08T14:00:43+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: ifpi, victoria oakley, albanese government, australia, copyright law, ai training, music industry, creative industries, anthropic, news, world
## AI companies push for copyright changes
AI companies have requested changes to Australia's copyright law to allow them to train on creative material. Some have rejected making licensing agreements, saying existing copyright law is too difficult.
## IFPI warns of 'disaster for creativity'
The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, representing recording industry bodies worldwide, warned that weakening copyright protections would be ridiculous and dangerous.Victoria Oakley, IFPI chief executive, told Guardian Australia the move would damage Australia's reputation.
## Oakley questions Australia's decision
Victoria Oakley asked why Australia would weaken protections when other nations had rejected similar demands. She said Australia should not be the weakest link or throw creativity under the bus for AI companies.

> Why would Australia do this? Why would a sophisticated, democratic country that has a phenomenal cultural power of its own choose to make this very odd decision?
## Anthropic proposes opt-out model
Anthropic suggested an opt-out model that would allow it to scrape content unless rights holders signalled an objection. Large AI companies say they need legal certainty on copyright before making investments in Australia.
## Oakley warns of global contagion
Oakley said creative industries worried about contagion of copyright relaxation if Australia agreed. Copyright material from anywhere in the world could be affected if Australia set this precedent.

> You just need one safe harbour, because then you can train on music from anywhere in the world.
## Music labels already license to AI firms
Oakley said music labels had already inked dozens of licensing deals with smaller AI companies around the world.

> We already know how to license music to tech platforms because that's exactly how Spotify works, or Amazon Music, Apple, or Tidal.
## Government pledges fair compensation
Attorney general Michelle Rowland said the government was committed to supporting creatives and pledged that any future copyright changes would deliver meaningful control and fair compensation for creators.
## Oakley calls it a huge mistake
Oakley said weakening copyright would be a huge mistake and reputational damage to Australia's standing in the creative world. She warned the prize of AI investment was not worth what Australia would throw away.

> It would be a huge mistake and I think the prize is not worth what you're throwing away.
## Key takeaway

The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry warned Australia against weakening copyright protections for AI training, saying it would damage creativity and the nation's reputation.