Elton John Feels Betrayed By British Government Frees AI Companies From Copyright

Elton John (Instagram @eltonjohn)

JAKARTA - Elton John is so disappointed with the British government which continues its plans to allow artificial intelligence (AI) companies to use artist content without paying.

The 78-year-old musician described the government as an absolute "loss" and felt he had been betrayed over the plan to free tech companies from the Copyright Act.

Meanwhile, the British government has rejected a proposal from the upper house in the Great Britain Parliament (House of Lords) forcing AI companies to reveal what materials are being used to develop their programs.

As is known, the generative AI program mines or learns from large amounts of data such as text, images, or online music to produce new content that feels like being made by humans.

In this regard, Elton John said the generative AI program was very dangerous for the rights of creators, especially young artists.

"The danger is, for young artists, they don't have the resources to fight big tech companies," Elton John said, quoted by the BBC, Tuesday, May 20.

"It's a crime, because I feel very betrayed," he added. "House of Lords voted, and the results were more than two to one supporting us. The government only saw it as saying, 'Hmm, parents.. I think I can afford it.'"

Furthermore, the Your Song' singer warned that the British government is in the process of "suffering the legacy and income of young people" if it frees technology companies from the Copyright Act.

He said, "The government is just a loser, and I am very angry about it."

He also hopes that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will be able to be wise on this issue, while describing Technology Minister Peter Kyle as a "little stupid" person.

And if the British government does not change its plans, John also declares his readiness to bring the minister to justice.

"We will fight it thoroughly," he said.