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.