Paul McCartney warns change in AI law would “rip off” artists

Posted On January 26, 2025January 26, 2025

Sir Paul McCartney, one of two surviving members of The Beatles, has warned the government that a change in artificial intelligence (AI) law could “rip off” artists because of how the technology functions. He thinks this might make it impossible for musicians and creatives to make a living. 

The government is considering overhauling the AI law, allowing developers to construct their models using creators’ content on the Internet unless the rights holders specifically opt out. The government is consulting on proposals allowing AI companies to use material available online without respecting copyright if they are using it for data mining or text. 

It’s a divisive issue that AI programs mine or learn from data online. This includes text, images, and music to create new content that gives the initial impression a human has made it. Prominent artists such as Kate Bush, Thom Yorke, and Julianne Moore recently signed a petition for greater restrictions to limit the technology’s “unjust threat.” 

Critics of this proposed government plan assert that it is not possible for an artist or writer to inform thousands of different AI services that they do not want their content used by them or even to monitor it. In response, the government says it aims to deliver a legal precedent through transparent copyright laws that would give creators “real control”.

What has Paul McCartney said about the proposed AI law?

In a new interview with the BBC’s Sunday, McCartney discussed AI once again, and specifically this potential change in the law. He said, “When we were kids in Liverpool, we found a job that we loved, but it also paid the bills.” He then warned that the proposal could remove the incentive for artists, creating a “loss of creativity.” 

He also warned that AI could create something of a “wild west” where copyright is not fully protected. “You get young guys, girls, coming up, and they write a beautiful song, and they don’t own it,” he said. “They don’t have anything to do with it. And anyone who wants can just rip it off.”

“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?’” Urging the government to think hard about the plans, he continued: “We’re the people, you’re the government! You’re supposed to protect us. That’s your job.”

McCartney added: “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.”

McCartney’s comments follow his and fellow surviving Beatle Ringo Starr, using AI technology to complete late frontman John Lennon’s vocals on the band’s final ever single, 2023’s ‘Now and Then’. One of the reasons the demo was shelved for decades was that they couldn’t finish Lennon’s incomplete vocals, but AI allowed them to do it. Despite Starr outlining his own fears about AI since, the song was acclaimed, went to number one in the UK, and was nominated for two Grammys.

While McCartney is unsure about the proposed change in the law, he’s in no doubt of AI’s positive capacity. “I think AI is great, and it can do lots of great things,” the Beatle said, noting the crucial facilitatory role it played in ‘Now and Then’. However, he concluded: “But it shouldn’t rip creative people off. There’s no sense in that.”

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