Elton John Slams Government as “Losers” Over AI Copyright Exemptions

[Social Media]

 

Elton John Slams Government as “Losers” Over AI Copyright Exemptions

 

Sir Elton John has launched a scathing attack on the UK government, branding ministers “absolute losers” and accusing them of betrayal over controversial plans to exempt artificial intelligence firms from copyright protections. The music legend said he was “incredibly betrayed” by the government’s rejection of proposals that would have forced AI developers to disclose the copyrighted material used to train their systems.

"I think the government are just absolute losers"

Sir Elton John says "a machine isn't capable of writing anything with any soul in it" as he sets out his opposition to the government's plans to allow AI companies to use copyrighted work#BBCLauraK https://t.co/EDzsix2zpa pic.twitter.com/UTNOQnjJG0

— BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) May 18, 2025

 

Speaking exclusively to Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, the 78-year-old icon did not hold back, warning that the move amounts to “committing theft, thievery on a high scale” by allowing tech companies to exploit artists’ work without compensation. Sir Elton expressed deep concern about the impact on emerging creatives, stating, “The danger is that, for young artists, they haven’t got the resources ... to fight big tech [firms]. It’s criminal, in that I feel incredibly betrayed.”

 

His outrage follows the government’s rejection of a House of Lords amendment to the Data (Use and Access) Bill. The Lords had voted by a wide margin to require transparency from AI companies regarding their use of creative works, but the House of Commons dismissed the changes. This legislative ping-pong has sparked tension across the creative industries, with artists and lawmakers in a standoff over how far copyright protections should extend in the age of generative AI.

 

“The House of Lords did a vote, and it was more than two to one in our favour,” Sir Elton pointed out. “The government just looked at it as if to say, ‘Hmm, well the old people ... like me can afford it.’” He warned that failing to act would “rob young people of their legacy and their income,” and made it clear he was prepared to escalate the fight: “We’ll fight it all the way.”

 

In a direct rebuke of political leaders, Sir Elton urged Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to “wise up” and took aim at Technology Secretary Peter Kyle, describing him bluntly as “a bit of a moron.”

 

Playwright James Graham, who appeared alongside Sir Elton in the interview, echoed the concerns, saying, “Ministers do understand the value of creativity... but what’s frustrating is either the complacency or the willingness to let Silicon Valley tech bros get it all their own way.”

 

Tom Kiehl, chief executive of UK Music, further warned the government was on the verge of making a grave error. He told the BBC the UK was “on the brink” of sacrificing its vibrant music industry to gain favor with U.S.-based tech giants. “The prime minister must not sell the next generation of singers, songwriters, musicians, and music creators down the river and allow all that talent to be crushed by letting soulless AI bots plunder their work,” Kiehl said.

 

Sir Elton is among over 400 British musicians, writers, and artists who signed a letter to the prime minister, urging the government to protect creators in the face of fast-developing artificial intelligence. The signatories include Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney, who previously warned the BBC that AI risks turning the creative landscape into a “Wild West” where copyright is ignored entirely.

 

The ongoing battle over the Data Bill and AI transparency continues to stoke fierce debate, with the creative community now preparing to take its fight to the courts if necessary. As AI grows in influence, so too does the chorus of artists demanding a say in how their work is used—and protected—in the digital age.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC  2025-05-20

 

 

[Chomper Higgot]

Says a guy who made a fortune singing songs written by somebody else.

 

 

[JonnyF]

6 hours ago, Social Media said:

Sir Elton John has launched a scathing attack on the UK government, branding ministers “absolute losers”

 

Absolutely right. They are.

 

6 hours ago, Social Media said:

and accusing them of betrayal over controversial plans to exempt artificial intelligence firms from copyright protections.

 

But that's not the reason. 

[giddyup]

34 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Says a guy who made a fortune singing songs written by somebody else.

 

 

He wrote the music, Bernie wrote the lyrics.

[Red Forever]

5 hours ago, JonnyF said:

 

Absolutely right. They are.

 

 

But that's not the reason. 

Oh look, “Eraser” Jonny has leapt at another opportunity to bash the democratically elected government without any input to the O.P.

Sir Elton, or Reg as we call him, won a scholarship to the Royal College of Music at the age of 12. After graduating he played locally in the Croxley Green area and became well respected and played with bands such as T Rex, Long John Baldry and Mick and the Moonbeats. His break came with the release of “Your Song”. Bernie Taupin wrote a lot of the lyrics and Reg wrote the music.

Dunno much about AI with regard music and the arts but I’m sure Reg is on the side of the goodies,