Simon Cowell wants to see artists protected from AI.
The Got Talent of America judge wrote a comment in the Daily Mail this week, criticizing potential changes in UK law that would allow companies to train AI models using any online material unless they explicitly opt out.
Cowell warned that artists’ livelihoods are at risk of being “destroyed”.
“Anyone will believe that they have the right to blindly give the creative idea of this country – nothing, it’s wrong,” he said. “I care passionately about people’s personal creativity – AI should not steal the talents of those who create magic in the first place.”
Simon Cowell warned in an op-ed in the Daily Mail that allowing AI to train copyrighted materials threats to artists’ livelihoods. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
What is artificial intelligence (AI)?
In 2023, Cowell told Fox News Digital that he is not a fan of AI.
He explains why artists like Queen, David Bowie and Elton John talk about “I think their songs are as good today as they were then.
Elton John also gave his comments to The Daily Mail.
Watch: “Not a Fan” of Artificial Intelligence in Simon Cowell’s Music
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“I stand up on behalf of young artists because they actually represent our future. The proposals considered by the UK government will destroy our creative community, especially emerging artists and those who are eager to pursue a career in art.”
“AI shouldn’t steal the talents of those who create magic first.”
He continued: “This will allow our music – and all other artworks that have been made in the UK – without authorization or compensation. Why? It can help strong foreign technology companies make money. It’s wrong, it’s unnecessary.”
The “Tiny Dancer” singer acknowledged that Generative AI “provides incredible opportunities for all of us” but wants to ensure protection for all creatives.
Elton John said the proposed changes to UK law allow AI companies to be “completely wrong, which is unnecessary”. (Simone Joyner/Getty Images)
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“We must respect the rights of creators, bring rich experience to fans and provide brighter opportunities for new and younger artists. But adopting such copyright exceptions will undermine UK leadership, which is hard to win, and worse, it will be thrown away all. Nothing.”
Earlier this week, more than 1,000 musicians teamed up to release a silent album called “Is This We Want?”. In protest against the proposed legal changes.
Among the contributions of British artists including Kate Bush, Annie Lennox, Cat Stevens and Damon Albarn, the album includes 12 recording tracks in empty studios and performance spaces.
Annie Lennox, along with Eurythmics bandmate Dave Stewart in 2022, is one of thousands of artists who contributed to a silent album of British law protests surrounding AI and copyright changes. (Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)
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“It’s a mixture of artists that everyone has heard of, and many are not household musicians,” he added. “And I think it’s really important because this issue will affect all of us.”
