AI access by default

Labor is considering a deal that would let AI companies use Australian creative work unless rights holders actively block it.

Pocock attacks the tradeoff

David Pocock says the plan would favor AI companies over Australians who already own the content they make.

“The burden should not fall on Australians”

Opting out looks hard

The proposal suggests creators may need to digitally protect their work to stop AI training. Rights holders say that is not realistic for small creators online.

Licences could stretch wide

One option would let AI firms train on unprotected online material after enough deals with businesses. Another would let industry bodies license whole categories of work.

Government denies weakening rights

Industry minister Tim Ayres said forthcoming AI rules would not reduce copyright protection. Richard Marles said any tech deal must serve Australia’s national interests.

“in no way”

Creators push back

Greens senator Sarah Hanson Young and creative groups warned against letting big tech use Australian work for free, after earlier lobbying over reported datacentre offers.

“Every Australian deserves to get paid”

OpenAI wants barriers eased

OpenAI policy executive Ann O’Leary met Australian officials and said local model training cannot proceed unless copyright barriers are solved.

“the gating problem of the copyright barriers”

Ministers promise control

Michelle Rowland’s office said any copyright changes must provide meaningful control and fair compensation. Andrew Charlton said lost datacentres would be acceptable if artists are protected.

“if we lose some datacentres over this, so be it”