The Australian government has explicitly ruled out granting technology companies free rein to mine copyrighted content for artificial intelligence training, following a fierce backlash from authors, artists and media groups. Attorney General Michelle Rowland confirmed the decision on Monday, shutting the door on a contentious proposal floated by the Productivity Commission and backed by tech firms.
The Productivity Commission sparked outrage in August when its interim report suggested an exemption to copyright laws that would allow tech companies free access to content for AI training. The proposal drew sharp criticism from creatives, including rapper Adam Briggs and author Anna Funder, who warned of unauthorised appropriation of works.
“Australian creatives are not only world class, but they are also the lifeblood of Australian culture, and we must ensure the right legal protections are in place,” Rowland said. The attorney general also convened a government copyright and AI reference group to explore alternative responses, such as a new paid licensing framework under the Copyright Act.
The Australian Recording Industry Association welcomed the announcement as a “critical step in the right direction”. Chief executive Annabelle Herd said: “It is a win for creativity and Australian culture, including First Nations culture, but it’s also a win for common sense.” Guardian Australia also praised the move, calling it a positive step towards protecting copyrighted content.
Further steps are expected to ensure artists retain control over their work and receive fair compensation when it is used for AI training. The decision marks a clear rejection of the “text and data mining” exemption sought by tech companies, which had argued it could unlock billions of dollars in foreign investment.
