Science & Tech · AI · 4 hrs ago
Global music body warns Australia against weakening AI copyright rules
The global music industry body IFPI warned Australia against weakening copyright rules for artificial intelligence companies.
The Albanese government is considering changes to copyright as part of wider policies on AI, but no change has been announced.
AI companies want legal certainty to train models on Australian material, and some have proposed allowing them to use content unless rights holders opt out.
IFPI chief executive Victoria Oakley said one country’s rules could affect music worldwide because companies could train AI using material from anywhere.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has promised strong protection and said creatives should be paid for their work.
Attorney General Michelle Rowland’s office says any future changes should give creators meaningful control and fair compensation, while the government’s decision is still ahead.
The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry has warned Australia against weakening copyright protections for AI companies.
IFPI chief executive Victoria Oakley said such a change could harm creativity and affect music and culture worldwide.
The Australian government is considering copyright changes as part of a broader set of AI policy reforms.
AI companies say they need legal certainty on copyright before investing or training models in Australia.
The attorney general’s office says any future copyright changes should provide meaningful control and fair compensation for creatives.
- Who
- The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, represented by CEO Victoria Oakley, issued the warning to the Australian government.
- What
- IFPI warned Australia not to weaken copyright protections for AI companies.
- When
- The warning was reported on 8 November 2026.
- Where
- Australia.
- Why
- IFPI says weakening protections could harm creativity and allow copyright material from around the world to be used to train AI models.
IFPI and creative industries
AI companies
Copyright rules
IFPI and creative industries
IFPI opposes weakening copyright protections for AI training.
AI companies
AI companies say they need legal certainty on copyright.
Access to material
IFPI and creative industries
IFPI argues that existing protections should not be relaxed and warns of effects on creators worldwide.
AI companies
Some AI companies have sought weaker rules or an opt-out model for using material to train models.
Investment
IFPI and creative industries
IFPI disputes that investment or growth depends on giving in to AI companies’ demands.
AI companies
AI companies say legal certainty is needed before they invest or train models in Australia.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese promised the strongest possible protection for creatives.
The attorney general’s office said the government was committed to supporting creatives and that future copyright changes should deliver meaningful control and fair compensation.
Guardian Australia reported IFPI CEO Victoria Oakley’s warning against weakening Australian copyright protections.
- IFPI chief executive
- Victoria Oakley
- Australian prime minister
- Anthony Albanese
- Attorney general
- Michelle Rowland
- Report date
- 8 November 2026
- Policy context
- Copyright changes are being considered as part of broader AI policy reforms
1 source
What people are saying
We think this is a disaster for creativity.
I don’t think Australia wants to be the weakest link in this situation, the one that believed the promises and gave in and threw creativity under the bus on behalf of everyone else.
the strongest possible protection
any future copyright changes deliver meaningful control and fair compensation