Artificial intelligence (AI) systems have been trained on the works of Australian artists, including Kylie Minogue and Nick Cave, without providing compensation, according to the International Confederation of Music Publishers (ICMP). The organization, which represents major music publishers such as Sony, Warner, and Universal, as well as thousands of independent entities worldwide, has expressed concern over Australia's approach to copyright legislation in the context of AI development.

The ICMP has highlighted that while numerous countries have been approached regarding modifications to copyright laws to accommodate AI technologies, Australia appears unique in actively contemplating such changes. John Phelan, director general of the ICMP, criticized AI companies for pressuring Australian policymakers, stating that these entities are essentially pushing to "legitimise larceny." He asserted that companies have suggested withholding investment if the government does not amend current regulations to allow AI models to use copyrighted material without artist compensation.

In a July statement, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese echoed these concerns, describing it as “theft” if artists were denied control over the use of their work in AI training and the associated payments. Meanwhile, members of an Australian parliamentary AI committee have acknowledged that AI models are already being trained on copyrighted works in the United States without compensating creators. However, they noted that due to the lack of similar legal provisions in Australia, some companies have refrained from deploying cutting-edge AI training models within the country.

The ICMP presented evidence to Australian authorities demonstrating that Google's AI model, Gemini, was capable of reproducing lyrics by Minogue, Cave, and G Flip, raising questions about unauthorized use of protected content. Google was contacted for comment but did not immediately respond.

From the industry side, Anthropic, another AI company, was represented at the parliamentary committee by special envoy Jeffery Bleich, who said the company was not seeking to impose conditions on Australia but had provided information regarding its capability to operate under current regulatory frameworks.

The ongoing debate highlights tensions between the protection of artists’ intellectual property and the rapid development of AI technologies reliant on vast amounts of creative content, with Australian policymakers weighing how to balance innovation incentives and creators’ rights.