Australians Demand Big Tech Pay for Local Creative Content in AI Training

Australians Demand Big Tech Pay Creators for AI Training

Three in four Australians want tech giants banned from using local creative content to train AI systems without permission or compensation. This strong stance comes amid growing concern over how artificial intelligence taps into the work of artists, authors, musicians, and other creators.

Protecting Australian Creativity Against Big Tech

Exclusive research by NewsCorp Lighthouse reveals that the majority of Australians are urging the government to defend copyright laws against international pressure. They want the Albanese government to stand firm and protect the country's creative industries from being exploited by foreign technology companies.

The survey, which gathered responses from over 1,200 Australians across diverse demographics, found that:

• 83% believe it’s important to protect Australian creators, ideas, stories, music, and art.
• 78% support maintaining rules that prevent foreign tech giants from using creative content without paying creators.
• 77% insist Australia should resist pressure from foreign companies or governments to give up creative content for free, even if it risks trade tensions.
• 74% agree big tech should not be allowed to use original content without permission or compensation.

Only 22% of respondents felt that pushing back against tech giants was futile due to their power, signaling broad confidence that Australia can protect its creative industries.

Government Response and Industry Debate

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has acknowledged the complexity of AI and its potential benefits but has remained cautious about ruling out the use of Australian content for AI training without compensation.

He emphasized the importance of copyright and intellectual property, stating, “AI is something that will change the way that we live and work... We need to engage in discourse about how we make sure that we maximise the benefits but minimise any of the other factors that need to be considered.”

However, this cautious approach contrasts with the public’s strong desire to protect creative rights. The concern escalated after a recent interim Productivity Commission report suggested a new “fair dealing” exception that would allow text and data mining of copyrighted content, effectively granting tech companies free access to creative works.

Voices from the Creative and Political Sectors

Peter Garrett, Midnight Oil frontman and former Labor minister, described big tech’s mining of copyright data as “theft,” reflecting the frustration many creators feel. On the other hand, Liberal senator James Paterson argued that while artists’ concerns are understandable, strict restrictions could hinder AI innovation and economic growth.

Paterson noted, “AI builds models by collecting data; it’s not replicating exactly what artists have created, but it does profit from that. There’s a reasonable argument for compensation, but we shouldn’t block AI development.”

What Creatives Should Know

For those working in creative fields, this debate has direct implications. AI systems increasingly rely on vast datasets, including copyrighted material, to generate new content. Without clear regulations and fair compensation, creators risk losing control over their original work and the financial rewards it generates.

Staying informed and involved in discussions about copyright and AI usage is essential. Creators should also explore how AI can be used ethically to complement their work, not replace or exploit it.

If you’re interested in understanding AI better from a creator’s perspective, explore specialized courses that focus on AI’s impact on creative industries and intellectual property rights. Resources like Complete AI Training's courses for creatives offer practical insights into AI technologies and their implications.

Looking Ahead

Australia faces a critical choice: protect its creators and cultural identity or risk letting foreign tech giants mine and profit from its creative output without fair rewards. The public’s clear message is to defend local talent and ensure that AI development respects the rights and contributions of those who shape culture.