The Albanese government is currently considering significant copyright reforms that could grant artificial intelligence companies unrestricted access to Australian online content. This proposed change would allow AI firms, specifically naming Anthropic and Open AI as examples, to train their systems using material found across the open internet within Australia. These sweeping reforms aim to provide AI developers with broader permission to utilize digital assets.
The potential deal has raised considerable concern among Australian creatives, artists, and everyday citizens, who fear their photos, words, and original work could be used by AI companies without cost. Critics accuse the Labor government of neglecting creatives by easing copyright protections for large AI entities. Musician and communications strategist Holly Rankin, also known as artist Jack River and executive director of Sentiment Group, has spoken about the wide ranging impact this AI deal could have.