The Albanese government is reportedly considering watering down Australia's copyright laws to attract more investment in artificial intelligence datacentres, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from creators and legal experts.
What is being proposed?
According to sources familiar with the discussions, the government is exploring exemptions to copyright rules that would allow AI companies to train their models on copyrighted material without permission or payment. The proposed changes are part of a broader push to position Australia as a regional hub for AI infrastructure, with datacentres seen as critical to the nation's digital future.
Industry Minister Ed Husic confirmed that consultations are underway, stating, "We want to ensure Australia is not left behind in the AI race, but we also need to balance the interests of creators." However, critics argue that the government is prioritising big tech over local artists, writers, and publishers.
Why now?
The push comes as global tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon ramp up investment in AI datacentres worldwide. Australia currently lags behind the US, China, and Europe in attracting such investment, partly due to its strict copyright regime. The government fears missing out on billions of dollars in economic activity and thousands of jobs.
A report by the Tech Council of Australia estimates that AI could contribute $115 billion to the economy by 2030, but only if the right regulatory framework is in place. "Copyright reform is a key piece of that puzzle," said council CEO Kate Pounder.
Backlash from creators
The proposal has united unlikely allies, including authors, musicians, and news publishers. The Australian Society of Authors warned that weakening copyright would "devastate the livelihoods of creators" and undermine Australia's cultural industries.
"This is a giveaway to the world's richest companies at the expense of Australian workers," said Susan Hawthorne, a spokesperson for the society. "Our copyright laws are there for a reason—to protect the people who create."
Legal experts also raised concerns. Dr. Emily Hudson, a copyright scholar at the University of Melbourne, said the proposed changes could violate Australia's obligations under international treaties like the Berne Convention.
What happens next?
The government is expected to release a discussion paper in the coming weeks, with a final decision likely before the next federal election. The move has already sparked debate within the Labor Party, with some backbenchers expressing unease about alienating the creative sector.
Meanwhile, the opposition has accused the government of "selling out" Australian creators. Shadow Communications Minister David Coleman said, "Labor is putting the interests of Silicon Valley ahead of Australian jobs and culture."
The outcome remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the battle over AI and copyright is only just beginning.
