The recording industry federation’s warning
The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), the global organisation representing the recording industry, has warned the Australian government that weakening copyright protections in favour of artificial intelligence companies would have serious consequences for creativity. According to Victoria Oakley, the federation’s chief executive, allowing AI companies to access online content without a licence would be a “ridiculous and dangerous” choice. The statement, reported by the Guardian, comes as Anthony Albanese’s government is considering a series of regulatory changes related to artificial intelligence.
What is at stake: the “safe harbour only” principle
Oakley explained that the issue is not only about Australian music. If one country introduces an exemption or a “safe harbour” for model training, AI companies could use it to train on content from anywhere in the world. That is why IFPI fears a regulatory “contagion” effect: an Australian opening could weaken protections elsewhere too.
The federation says it has met governments of other countries to flag what is happening in Australia, calling the prospect “a disaster for creativity”. Oakley stressed that its members are concerned because Canberra could grant requests that other nations have rejected, damaging the country’s reputation in the creative sector.
AI companies’ demands and the government’s position
According to the Guardian, some AI companies have asked for an easing of the rules so they can train models on Australian material, arguing that licence agreements under current law are too difficult to conclude. Anthropic has proposed an “opt-out” model, which would allow content to be collected unless rights holders explicitly object. Large AI companies say they need legal certainty before investing or training models in the country.
The Labor government, through a spokesperson for Justice Minister Michelle Rowland, stated its willingness to support creatives and to ensure that any changes to copyright law guarantee “effective control and fair remuneration”. Prime Minister Albanese had promised “the maximum possible protection”, warning that not paying creatives for their work would be “theft”.
Licensing is possible, according to IFPI
Oakley disputes AI companies’ argument that licensing would be impractical. She noted that music labels have already signed dozens of agreements with smaller AI companies around the world and that the licensing model already works for streaming platforms. She therefore urged the major companies to negotiate: “Come to us and we will make it work.”
IFPI declined to comment on any legal or constitutional challenges raised by the Australian recording industry association, limiting itself to speaking of a risk to the country’s reputation. It remains to be seen what decision the Australian government will take and whether the regulatory changes will actually be introduced.
