1,000 artists release ‘silent’ album to protest UK copyright sell-out to AI

1,000 artists release silent album to protest proposed UK AI copyright law changes.

: A group of 1,000 musicians launched a silent album titled 'Is This What We Want?' to protest UK copyright law changes that would allow AI training on artists' content without permission unless they opt-out. The album includes contributions from Kate Bush, Imogen Heap, and many more. Organizer Ed Newton-Rex calls for better protection for artists, backed by a petition with over 47,000 signatures.

A collective of 1,000 artists, featuring contributions from figures like Kate Bush and Imogen Heap, released a silent album titled 'Is This What We Want?' to oppose imminent changes in UK copyright law. The symbolic album captures empty studio sounds as a critique of plans allowing AI companies to train on artists' work without permission unless they opt-out explicitly.

Ed Newton-Rex, who led the initiative, has a petition with over 47,000 signatures opposing AI training without creative licenses. Having an extensive background in both composing music and AI-based music platforms, Newton-Rex advocates for artists' rights and criticizes measures that could indiscriminately use artists' work in AI systems.

Newton-Rex opposes the proposed opt-out requirement, emphasizing it leaves artists vulnerable since no system effectively tracks data usage in AI. Artists like Thomas Hewitt Jones even considered options to distribute music in markets with potentially better copyright protections, as they face a dilemma between protecting their work and reducing exposure online.