Responding to reports the Government's proposed 'opt out' copyright legislation, Greens spokesperson for the Arts, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said,
"Big AI companies are trying to blackmail our government into selling out on Australians intellectual property rights.
"The Albanese Government needs to stand up to these bullies, but instead it seems they are secretly consulting on how to appease big tech companies at the expense of Australian artists.
"AI is an extractive industry. Big AI companies want to strip mine our culture for their profits and leave artists, creators and small businesses with nothing.
"While tech bros are warning that they cannot be trusted to not end humanity, they are also asking our government to give them free access to all of our content. Their audacity is gobsmacking.
"We have a robust copyright framework that ensures that creators have control over and get paid for their work. If AI companies want to use Australian content, they need to pay for it just like everyone else.
"It is the role of the government to protect the interests of Australian workers and businesses. Undermining the principles of copyright will only serve the interests of big tech companies.
"The Albanese Government needs to pause on AI. AI companies have lost their social licence in America so they are desperately trying to set up shop in Australia where regulations are weaker.
"The Albanese Government needs to stand up to the bullies and put a moratorium on data centres to protect Australian artists, community and our environment."
