Urgent warning that weakening Australia’s copyright laws for AI companies could spark a ‘race to the bottom’
Sixty-three international media organisations have urged Australia’s government not to weaken copyright protections as it considers rules for using creative work to train AI. They warn that allowing AI companies to use material unless creators opt out could undermine the creative industries and encourage weaker protections elsewhere.
The coalition says an opt-out system could leave rights holders dependent on difficult registries or technical measures, and argues that any changes may conflict with international agreements. OpenAI and Anthropic have asked for clearer rules, while OpenAI has warned it may not invest in training AI in Australia if copyright laws are not loosened. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in July that Australian creators should retain control of their work.
In short
- 63 media groups oppose weakening Australia’s copyright protections.
- They warn an AI training opt-out could burden creators.
- Albanese says creators should retain control of their work.
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The case for
Keeping strong copyright protections would uphold creators’ control over how their work is used and help ensure they are paid when it contributes to commercial AI systems. An opt-out regime could put the burden on rights holders to find and use complex registries or technical tools, while setting a precedent that encourages other countries to weaken protections.
The case against
Clearer, more flexible rules could let AI developers train models on a wider range of material and reduce uncertainty about what uses are permitted. Supporters may argue that an opt-out system can give creators a way to object while enabling investment and research; OpenAI’s warning that it may not train AI in Australia illustrates the risk that restrictive rules could deter development there.
Explained simply
Copyright law gives creators and publishers control over how their work is copied and reused. AI companies train their systems on large collections of material, including writing, images and other creative work, raising questions about when they need permission or must pay.
Australia is considering rules for this use of creative work. An opt-out system would let companies use material by default, unless its rights holders take steps to prevent it. Finding and registering work could be difficult, particularly for smaller creators.
Media organisations, AI companies and the Australian government are among those involved in the debate. The outcome matters to creators seeking control and payment, to AI firms seeking clear rules, and to other countries that may look to Australia’s approach.