Paul McCartney Voices Concerns Over UK’s Proposed AI Copyright Law

Paul McCartney in a file photo. Dave Hogan/ Getty Images

Paul McCartney is voicing his concerns with the British government, in regard to proposed changes surrounding copyright law and artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

In an interview with the BBC that aired on Jan. 26, the 82-year-old weighed in on the proposed policy that would allow tech companies to use the works from musicians and artists to help train AI models unless specified otherwise by the creator.

The former Beatles member said the move would open the door for AI firms to “rip off” copyright material, making it more difficult for creators to retain control of their work, while impacting careers.

“You get young guys, girls, coming up, and they write a beautiful song, and they don’t own it, and they don’t have anything to do with it. And anyone who wants can just rip it off,” McCartney said.

“The truth is, the money’s going somewhere. Somebody’s getting paid, so why shouldn’t it be the guy who sat down and wrote ‘Yesterday?’”

Back in December, the UK Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology presented a consultation to parliament on the benefits of AI outputs, in an effort to boost the nation’s status as a world leader in AI technology.

“Copyright law should enable creators and right holders to exercise control over, and seek remuneration for, the use of their works for AI training,“ read the consultation. ”It should also ensure AI developers have easy access to a broad range of high-quality creative content.”

Britain’s center-left Labour Party government said the challenges involved are clear, but with the correct approach, a framework can be developed that will succeed for all parties involved.

However, McCartney urged UK leaders to reconsider their plans.

“We’re the people, you’re the government. You’re supposed to protect us. That’s your job,” McCartney said. “So you know, if you’re putting through a bill, make sure you protect the creative thinkers, the creative artists, or you’re not going to have them.”

In a statement to the BBC, a government spokesperson reaffirmed the proposal would only move forward “once we are confident that we are delivering clarity, control and transparency for artists and the sector, alongside appropriate access to data for AI innovators.”

The consultation period for proposed policy changes or feedback closes on Feb. 25, before a final decision is made on the matter.

McCartney and Beatles drummer Ringo Starr used AI back in 2023 to produce their final song “Now and Then,” after reportedly extracting and using the vocals from a demo by the late John Lennon to complete the track.

Meanwhile, AI has become a major topic of conversation in the music industry at home and abroad in recent years, with a growing list of artists speaking out against the technology.

In April of 2024, over 200 recording artists—which included U.S. and international musicians—signed an open letter denouncing the usage of AI, saying the technology “poses enormous threats to our ability to protect our privacy, our identities, our music and our livelihoods.”