ABBA-Björn and European creators call on the EU to take responsibility in the face of artificial intelligence

A delegation of rights holders met with key EU policymakers on 20-21 May, joining other leaders from the cultural and creative sectors to promote a responsible implementation of the EU’s AI law, aiming to ensure that artificial intelligence is developed in a way that respects the rights of creators.

The background to the visit is growing concern about how the principles of the AI ​​Act are now being put into practice. The drafts of both Code of Practice og Transparency Template for generative AI risks weakening rights protection and perpetuating a lack of transparency from technology companies.

Artists, composers, writers and other creators across Europe – with the support of the European Parliament – ​​are now united behind a clear call: EU AI policy must be fair, transparent and developed in collaboration with those who create the content on which AI is based.

– It is imperative that creators' rights are safeguarded in the face of artificial intelligence. Transparency, licensing and remuneration must be demanded. AI companies must be open about which works are used for training, creators must have a real opportunity to say yes or no to use through licensing, and they must be paid when their works are used. Without these principles, the entire basis for being able to make a living from creating art is undermined. Artists are not afraid of artificial intelligence – they are afraid of being deprived of their livelihood in a technological revolution without fair frameworks. The AI ​​revolution must not mean a farewell to human creativity, but become a new chapter – where technology and copyright go hand in hand, says Inger Elise Mey, who heads TONO's international department.

Want an AI market that also works for creators

The delegation, led by Ulvaeus, included artists Marika, Alice Wonder, Patrick Sigwalt and Brice Homes. They called on lawmakers to uphold the original intent of the AI ​​Act: ethical and human-centered technology development that also supports cultural life. A licensing system must be established that ensures creators are paid when their works are used.

The current draft rules and guidelines do not meet the requirements of the KI legislation and risk opening up unauthorized use of copyrighted material.

The Coalition of Authors is calling on the European Commission to make the necessary changes to ensure that Europe's AI development is responsible, and that the rights of those who create the music, films and books we consume are not undermined.

Copyright-based industries currently account for almost 7 percent of the EU's GDP and employ over 17 million people.