IFPI chief urges Albanese government to preserve AI copyright protections

Victoria Oakley, head of the global recording industry body IFPI, has warned Australia’s government against weakening copyright rules to let AI companies train on online material without permission. She argues that such a change could harm creative work worldwide and damage Australia’s reputation, while challenging the idea that looser rules are necessary to attract investment or encourage innovation.

The Albanese government is considering copyright policy changes as part of wider AI reforms. Some AI firms have sought legal certainty and Anthropic has proposed an opt-out system; Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has promised strong protections, and Attorney General Michelle Rowland says any changes should ensure meaningful control and fair compensation. Oakley says even one country allowing broad use could enable training on music from around the world.