Simon Cowell wants to see artists protected from AI.
The “American Got Talent” judge wrote a commentary this week in the Daily Mail, criticising potential changes to UK laws that allow businesses to use any online material to train AI models unless they explicitly opt out.
Cowell warned that artists’ livelihoods are at risk of being “sweeped away.”
“The idea that everyone would believe they have the right to blindly give creative ideas in this country is wrong for anything,” he said. “I passionately care about people’s personal creativity. AI should never be able to steal the talent of the human who created magic in the first place.”
Simon Cowell warned in Op-Ed on Daily Mail that allowing AI to train copyrighted materials is a threat to artists’ livelihoods. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
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In 2023, Cowell told Fox News Digital that he was “not a fan” of AI.
He explained why artists like Queen, David Bowie and Elton John have a lasting, authentic impact by saying, “I think their songs are as good as they are today. So whatever is fake it is a bit of a problem for me.”
Elton John also contributed to the Daily Mail with his views on AI.
Watch: Simon Cowell’s Artificial Intelligence “No Fan”
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“I have risen to replace young artists, because they literally represent our future. The proposals considered by the UK government will destroy our creative community, especially those seeking to emerging artists and careers in art.”
“AIs shouldn’t be able to steal the talents of the humans who created magic in the first place.”
He continued, “It would allow us to incorporate our music, and without approval or compensation, our music and all other artwork ever made in the UK.
The “Tiny Dancer” singer acknowledged that the Generation AI offers us all an incredible opportunity, but wanted to ensure the protection of all creatives.
Elton John called it a change in UK law to allow AI companies to train copyrighted jobs “just wrong, it’s not necessary.” (Simone Joyner/Getty Images)
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“We must respect the rights of creators, provide fantastic experiences to our fans, and provide even brighter opportunities for new and younger artists. However, the adoption of this copyright exception will destroy UK leadership.
Earlier this week, more than 1,000 musicians teamed up to release a silent album entitled “What We Want?” Protest against proposed changes to the law.
With contributions from British artists such as Kate Bush, Annie Lennox, Cat Stephens and Damon Albern, the album consists of 12 tracks of recordings of empty studios and performance spaces, symbolizing what would be expected if government proposals passed.
Annie Lennox is one of the thousands of artists who, together with Eurythmics bandmate Dave Stewart, contributed to the silent album in 2022 in opposition to British laws regarding AI and copyright changes. (Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)
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“It’s a mix of artists that everyone has heard, and not a lot of musicians you know, and not a common name,” he added. “And I think it’s really important because this issue affects us all.”
