Elton John Blasts UK AI Bill: "Theft on a High Scale"

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Written by Aaron S.,

Editor-In-Chief

Last Updated: May 19, 2025

Key Takeaways

Elton John slammed the UK’s AI copyright plan by calling it "criminal" and harmful to young artists;
The proposed bill would let AI firms use content without the creator's consent or payment;
Over 400 artists and groups signed a letter urging the UK to add stronger protections to the bill;

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Elton John Blasts UK AI Bill: "Theft on a High Scale"

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Elton John, a multiple Grammy-winning music legend, has spoken out against the UK government’s plan to let artificial intelligence (AI) companies use creative work without permission.

In a BBC interview on May 18, he said the proposal is "criminal" and warned that young artists could lose control over their work. He added that allowing tech firms to train AI on songs, writing, and images without paying creators is "theft on a high scale".

The plan is part of the UK’s Data (Use and Access) Bill, which would allow AI developers to use any content they have legal access to, even if the original creators have not agreed to it.

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John is not the only one raising concerns. He joined more than 400 other artists, writers, and organizations in signing an open letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The letter asks the government to support changes to the bill that would require AI companies to be more open about the material they use and to ask permission before using it.

Some of the people and groups who signed the letter include Paul McCartney, Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, Eric Clapton, Sony Music Publishing, Getty Images, and the National Union of Journalists. The letter was written in support of proposed changes by Baroness Beeban Kidron in the House of Lords.

Meanwhile, Jamie Lee Curtis recently criticized Meta and its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg. Why? Read the full story.