Max Richter, a German-British composer, spoke to MPs at the Culture, Media and Sport and Science, Innovation and Technology select committees on February 4, where he called for better protection for musicians against the use of their music in AI training, in order to support a “future for human creators.” He highlighted proposals by the UK government to allow AI to be trained on copyrighted music without consent, insisting that it was “unfair and unworkable,” as this placed “the onus on artists to opt-out.” This current system creates “uncertainty” and is limiting innovation in both the creative and AI sectors.
Richter emphasised the intrinsic nature of human-made music, arguing that it is “the closest thing humanity has to magic.” He explained that music is ubiquitous, present in various aspects of people’s lives, including marriage, birthdays, learning, and unique human experiences. To human beings, music is a direct link to the emotions of others and a connection on a deep level.
The composer acknowledged the relevance of AI but warned that the industry needs to view its application in creative work with more thoughtfulness, considering its impact. Instead, the government is proposing changes to copyright law that oblige artists to opt-out of their work being used in AI training. A more fair solution, says Richter, would be the assumption that artists’ work cannot be used unless they choose to opt-in.
Without a fair reward system in place for music creators, there is no future for human creators, cautioned Richter. He concluded by highlighting that the entire music industry depends on copyright, from promotion, and music technology to festivals. Without the encouragement of copyright, the creative sector would not exist
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