ARIA and PPCA reject proposal for new AI fair dealing exception in the Copyright Act

The Productivity Commission’s consideration in the “Harnessing Data and Digital Technology” Interim Report of a proposal to create a new fair dealing exception in the Copyright Act for text and data mining is ill-considered and contrary to Australia’s best interests.

Australian Recording Industry Association and Phonographic Performance Company of Australia CEO, Annabelle Herd, said granting technology companies unrestricted access to exploit generations of Australian artistic and cultural output will decimate the value of Australian creative industries and place our creators at a disadvantage internationally.

“Australia’s existing copyright law is the foundation of the creative industries and the digital economy.

It currently aligns with global standards and effectively drives innovation and mutually beneficial negotiation without compromising Australian rights and investment,” she said.

“The existing legal framework already provides clarity, enabling licensing negotiations and balanced agreements that fairly reward creators and give them control over exploitation of their works.

“Australian songs, stories, art, research and creative works are among our nation’s greatest treasures: they deserve respect, not exploitation,” Ms Herd said.

“Instead of rushing to open the gates for AI companies to unrestricted and free access to the valuable intellectual property of artists and creators, the Productivity Commission should work to optimise existing licensing frameworks that can deliver promised AI productivity gains without gutting Australian copyright.”