Advocates who orchestrated the defeat of Britain's opt-out copyright scheme are now sounding the alarm about Australia's consideration of an identical approach. Their message to Australian policymakers: learn from the UK's near-miss.

Australia is currently examining an opt-out model that would permit AI companies to train on creators' intellectual property unless those creators explicitly refuse permission. The proposal surfaced this month when ABC News obtained leaked documents from the Attorney-General's Department.

Britain abandoned its own opt-out proposal in March. Technology secretary Liz Kendall announced the government had no longer backed the approach after consultation responses revealed overwhelming opposition: merely 3% of over 10,000 respondents supported opt-out.

Beeban Kidron, a film director serving in the House of Lords, spearheaded the UK's political campaign against the scheme. Speaking to the Guardian, she directed a pointed message toward Australian leadership.

He should not squander his reputation by selling Australian creatives down the river

Beeban Kidron

Ed Newton-Rex, a composer and former executive in the AI sector, mobilised creative professionals through a silent protest album endorsed by more than 1,000 musicians and a wordless book signed by 10,000 writers. He believes the UK campaign demonstrated public demand for AI firms to compensate content creators.

It will take just a moment for people to understand this is not fair

Ed Newton-Rex

The technology sector maintains a different position. Antony Walker, representing trade group techUK, told the Guardian that rights holders had effectively dominated the UK debate through their advocacy efforts.

Several AI firms operating in Australia, including OpenAI and Anthropic, have requested that the government relax its copyright restrictions. According to ABC News, OpenAI has indicated it cannot establish an Australian training facility without modifications to copyright legislation.

Michelle Rowland's office, representing the Attorney-General, stated that consultation remains ongoing regarding options that ensure creators retain meaningful authority and receive equitable compensation.

Source: The Next Web