Source: Shuttershock AI
Australia’s creative community is celebrating after the government rejected a proposal to exempt artificial intelligence (AI) developers from copyright laws. The announcement on October 27 delivered a major win for artists, musicians, and rights holders who feared their work could be used to train AI systems without notice or payment.
Government Stands Firm on Copyright
Attorney-General Michelle Rowland confirmed the decision in an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. She stated that the Labor government would not pursue a text and data mining (TDM) exemption. Instead, she stressed the need for fair pay and transparency. “We will not be entertaining a text and data mining exception,” she said. Moreover, she urged tech firms to design systems that track content and return royalties to creators. As a result, the government signaled a shift toward licensing and accountability rather than loopholes.
Industry leaders quickly welcomed the move. Dean Ormston, CEO of APRA AMCOS, called it “a significant moment for Australian creators and our cultural sovereignty.” In addition, Annabelle Herd, CEO of PPCA, praised the government for backing artists over “a small group of large, powerful tech companies.” Both organizations urged tech firms to start licensing talks. They argued that without attribution and transparency, creators cannot know how their work is used—or whether they are being paid fairly. Consequently, they see licensing as the only practical solution.
Tech Companies Push Back
However, tech companies pushed back. Google, Meta, and OpenAI opposed the idea of publishing training data, warning that disclosure rules could expose trade secrets. Meanwhile, similar debates are unfolding abroad. The European Union’s AI Act includes opt-out provisions for rightsholders, while the United Kingdom abandoned its own TDM exemption after strong resistance from artists such as Elton John and Paul McCartney. Therefore, Australia’s stance fits into a broader global trend where governments must balance innovation with creator rights.
In conclusion, Australia’s decision sends a clear message. The government will prioritize cultural sovereignty and fair compensation over unchecked AI development. For now, creators can celebrate a victory. Yet the next challenge lies ahead: building a licensing system that ensures transparency, protects intellectual property, and allows innovation to grow responsibly.
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