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Labor accused of throwing creatives ‘under the bus’ with proposal to ease copyright protections for AI giants
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The Albanese government is considering a copyright overhaul that would let AI companies train on Australian creative works by default, sparking accusations it has thrown artists "under the bus." The proposal, titled "AI on Australian Terms," was tabled in the Senate on Tuesday 15 September 2026. It emerged as senior personnel from OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, met Labor ministers and warned that Australia's copyright laws blocked local model training.
Independent Senator David Pocock said the compromise would prioritize AI companies' interests over everyday Australians. He argued the plan would give AI firms access to all Australians' content unless creators opt out. "The burden should not fall on Australians to defend the rights they already hold," Pocock said.
The document acknowledges voluntary deals with AI companies are "not realistic/possible" for the vast number of small online creators. It suggests requiring rights holders to "digitally protect" their material if they do not want it used for AI training. Rights holders say that approach is not feasible.
Under one option, AI developers could access copyrighted works by default, with creators bearing responsibility to exclude themselves. The government is pursuing a compromise with US tech giants amid broader talks over datacentre investment. The proposal has intensified debate over AI, copyright, and national sovereignty.
Creative groups and copyright advocates have condemned the plan as a fundamental shift in rights protection. They warn it would undermine Australia's creative industries and set a global precedent. Pocock said the government was trading creators' rights for datacentre funding.
The government has not confirmed whether it will adopt the proposal. OpenAI's meetings with ministers signal growing pressure to align local law with US AI interests. The Senate tabled document will likely fuel further scrutiny in coming weeks.
