Radiohead’s Thom Yorke and ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus are among the 11,500 names from across the creative industries rallying against the unauthorized use of artists’ work to train AI models. The collective statement, backed by musicians, writers, actors, and more, calls for an end to what they describe as an "unjust threat" to their livelihoods.
In the rapidly evolving world of AI, where technology firms leverage massive amounts of data to train artificial intelligence models, creatives are voicing their concerns. The core of the issue? Intellectual property. These industry figures argue that their work is being used without consent, fueling the development of AI tools like ChatGPT, with no compensation or recognition for the artists involved.
The statement reads: “The unlicensed use of creative works for training generative AI is a major, unjust threat to the livelihoods of the people behind those works, and must not be permitted.”
Signatories include cultural heavyweights such as Billy Bragg, Kevin Bacon, Robert Smith of The Cure, and authors like Kazuo Ishiguro and Ann Patchett. Together, they are demanding stronger protections for creators in the face of rapidly advancing technology.
Gee Davy, interim CEO of the Association of Independent Music, echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need for strong copyright laws to protect artists. She stressed the importance of AI regulations that do not undermine the future of those who make and invest in music, ensuring a healthy creative ecosystem for years to come.
Ed Newton-Rex, the former AI executive and composer behind the letter, highlighted the imbalance, noting that while AI companies spend vast sums on engineering and computing power, they expect to acquire the data—often artists' work—essentially for free.
The pushback from the creative community continues to gain momentum, with Nick Cave previously calling AI’s role in music “unbelievably disturbing” and Peter Hook bluntly stating that “every AI song that has ever been written is sh*t.” This growing movement seeks to protect the integrity of the artistic process, ensuring creators aren’t left behind as AI technology marches forward.
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