MPs have sounded the alarm over the threat artificial intelligence (AI) and streaming pose to the livelihoods of creative workers.
Even successful musicians, actors, and writers are finding it tough to maintain earnings due to AI, streaming services, and loopholes in copyright laws, according to a recent report by the Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee. Released on Wednesday, the report calls on the Government to step up its efforts to safeguard the earnings of those who aren't reaping the benefits of the UK's booming creative industries.
The committee has proposed the appointment of a "freelancers' commissioner" to represent the approximately one-third of the creative workforce who are self-employed, ensuring they get paid when their work is copied or transferred between private devices. They also suggest setting a "definitive deadline" for the Government to act, mandating fair compensation for artists when AI developers use their creations.
With AI becoming an increasingly pressing concern within the sector, fears are growing that technologies like ChatGPT, which rely heavily on copyrighted content, could displace voiceover artists, animators, and even live performers. Actor John Hollingworth, known for his role in Mr Bates vs The Post Office earlier this year, told the committee that AI is already "stripping jobs from British actors as we speak".
The MPs said: "We are concerned that the status quo simply favours AI developers, given creators' concerns that their IP is already being used in AI development without licence or any practical means of recourse." The report released on Wednesday also shed light on the dramatic shifts within the creative industry, which have left many artists struggling to make ends meet.
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In its inquiry, the committee listened to testimony from the legendary musician Nile Rodgers. The award-winning singer-songwriter recounted how he earned $100,000 from his first single back in 1977 a figure that would be a dream for today's artists.
He pointed out that while digital streaming has reduced costs, it hasn't translated into higher earnings for musicians. He shared his experience: "I have been doing this for 50 years of my life, and in 50 years you would have thought that, with the advent of all the new technologies, people like me would have a much better life, that things would be easier and we would all profit together, but that is not the case."
British artist VV Brown also provided insight into the changing landscape of the music industry. She reflected on her past success, saying: "When I released my record through a major publisher (in 2007), I was able to make a living. I was able to pay my rent at the time."
However, Brown highlighted the stark contrast with the present day, adding: "In 2023, in the environment and the culture I am in I have two children and a mortgage there is no way for me to sustain myself as a human being in the industry any longer."
The committee has once again urged for a "complete reset" of the music streaming industry to ensure musicians get a fair deal, acknowledging some progress but pressing the Government to "move further and faster".
Dame Caroline Dinenage, the committee's chairwoman, highlighted: "Many of our talented actors, writers, composers and singers are failing to share in the global success of the UK's creative industries as the sector struggles to navigate a perfect storm caused by everything from the emergence of AI through to the rapid changes in the way content is consumed."
She added, "If creators are no longer to be the poor relations, the Government needs to play catch-up by plugging the gaps in outdated copyright and intellectual property regulations and ensuring that there is a champion for the rights of freelancers, who make a vital contribution to their industries."
Responding to the concerns, a Government spokesperson said: "We are committed to supporting artists and finding an approach which allows them to work in partnership with AI innovators to harness the opportunities this technology provides."
They continued, "This includes continuing to engage with all relevant stakeholders on issues including AI, copyright and music streaming, to work towards a shared approach which allows both sectors to thrive. We will set out further proposals on the way forward in due course."
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