Politics · Australia · 4 hrs ago
Proposed Australian copyright reforms draw warnings from UK creative sector
The Australian government is considering copyright changes to attract AI investment from major technology companies.
Under the proposed system, AI firms could use online content unless its creators successfully opt out.
The UK’s Alliance for Intellectual Property says creators may struggle to refuse or negotiate fair payment under that approach.
It warns that weaker copyright could reduce the value of creative work and harm industries built over decades.
The group also says the changes could discourage international businesses from licensing or distributing content in Australia.
It is not opposing AI, but argues that AI firms should license the content they use.
The group urges the Australian government to slow down and examine the economic effects before proceeding.
The UK creative sector has warned that proposed Australian copyright reforms could weaken creators’ rights and damage the creative industries.
The reforms would let AI companies access online content under an “opt out” model, according to the article.
Dan Guthrie, director general of the UK’s Alliance for Intellectual Property, says the proposal risks reducing licensing and investment in Australia.
The Australian government is pursuing the reforms to attract AI investment, the article says.
Guthrie urges the government to slow down and require AI firms to license content.
- Who
- The Australian government and the UK creative sector, represented by Dan Guthrie.
- What
- Proposed Australian copyright reforms would allow AI companies to access online content under an “opt out” model.
- When
- The article was published on 26 October 2026. The reforms are proposed.
- Where
- Australia, with warnings from the UK creative sector.
- Why
- The Australian government is seeking to attract AI investment. Guthrie says the proposal threatens creators’ rights and the creative industries.
Australian government
UK creative sector
Purpose
Australian government
The government is pursuing copyright reforms to attract AI investment.
UK creative sector
The reforms could weaken creators’ rights and damage the creative industries.
Content access
Australian government
The proposal would allow AI companies to access content under an “opt out” model.
UK creative sector
AI firms should license the content their models use.
Economic impact
Australian government
The government believes the reforms would help attract AI investment.
UK creative sector
Guthrie warns they could reduce fair prices, licensing and investment in Australia.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Publication date
- 26 October 2026
- Proposed model
- Opt out
- Australian government’s aim
- Attract AI investment
- UK organisation
- Alliance for Intellectual Property
What people are saying
The solution is for AI firms to license the content that their models don’t work without.
Why should content be the only thing they get for free?
We urge the Australian government to slow down, to look in more detail at the economics of what they are proposing and choose an Australian way, rather than one dictated by US tech.