In a united stand, several of the UK’s most iconic artists and creative minds, ,including Elton John, Dua Lipa, Coldplay, Paul McCartney, Kate Bush, and Florence Welch, have voiced serious concerns over the growing threat that artificial intelligence poses to copyright and the wider music industry. In an open letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the artists called for urgent legislative action to regulate how AI systems use copyrighted material for training purposes.
“We must protect against the predatory use of AI to steal professional artists’ voices and likenesses, violate creators’ rights, and destroy the music ecosystem,” the letter declared. The signatories urged tech firms, AI developers, and digital music platforms to commit to ethical practices, ensuring that creators are not denied fair compensation or control over their work.
On May 12, 2025, the House of Lords voted in favour of amendments to the Data (Use and Access) Bill, introducing new restrictions on AI model training. The revised bill mandates developers to disclose any copyrighted material used in the training process—an effort to enhance transparency and uphold the rights of creators. However, critics warned that such measures might restrict access to data and hamper AI innovation in the UK.
Artists are particularly alarmed by the use of their music, lyrics, and visual artwork in training AI models capable of generating imitations or derivative content. The letter called on the government to ensure artists retain control over how their creations are used, and pushed for a fair licensing system to safeguard their intellectual property.
With the UK’s creative industries contributing over £100 billion annually to the economy, many fear that inadequate safeguards could jeopardise both livelihoods and the nation’s cultural standing. Geoff Taylor, CEO of the British Phonographic Industry, acknowledged AI’s potential but cautioned that innovation must not come at the expense of human creativity.
While the campaign has garnered backing from major organisations such as PRS for Music and Guardian News & Media, it has also sparked debate within the tech sector. Some argue that overly strict copyright controls could drive AI development overseas and weaken the UK’s position in the global tech race.
This isn’t the first time the creative community has raised the alarm. In 2024, more than 200 international artists—including Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry, Billie Eilish, Stevie Wonder, J Balvin, and Jon Bon Jovi—signed a similar open letter, warning against the “predatory use of AI” and urging stronger protections for artistic works.