Top UK artists, including Mick Jagger, Kate Bush, and Paul McCartney, have issued a letter condemning the UK government's stance on AI copyright policies, accusing AI companies of exploiting copyright without consent and threatening creators' rights.

This appeal, signed by over 70 figures and supported by organizations like the News Media Association and UK Theatre, comes ahead of a likely UK-US tech trade deal during Donald Trump's upcoming state visit, which is expected to address AI and digital rights.

The artists and industry groups criticize the government's focus on short-term trade and data deals, arguing it undermines the protection of the UK’s £120 billion creative sector and international copyright obligations.

The UK government recently passed the Data (Use and Access) Act, claiming it will boost the economy by £10 billion through technological innovation, but critics warn it may not adequately protect creative rights.

A recent study estimates that AI could cause musicians to lose at least 25% of their income over the next four years, with around 10,000 AI-generated tracks uploaded daily to platforms like Deezer and Spotify, including unauthorized uploads of deceased artists' work.

Rising artist Nectar Woode emphasized the importance of artists owning their work fully to prevent exploitation, highlighting ongoing concerns about AI's impact on creative rights.

The UK artists' letter underscores the significance of protecting intellectual property and resisting large tech firms' exploitation, aiming to influence government policy to safeguard artistic integrity.

The UK government states it is considering these concerns and plans to publish a report by March 2026, emphasizing a balance between supporting rights holders and enabling AI training on UK materials.

While no decisions have been made, Downing Street has acknowledged artists' concerns and promised a report on AI's potential impacts, amid ongoing debates over copyright protections.

The artists warn that failure to enforce existing copyright laws could lead to breaches of international law and loss of control over the UK’s cultural assets, especially with upcoming US-UK tech trade negotiations.

The controversy is heightened by reports that AI could cause a quarter of music industry workers to lose income over four years, and that AI-generated songs, including unauthorized uploads of deceased artists, are flooding platforms.

US tech leaders from Nvidia and OpenAI are visiting the UK, raising concerns about the lack of UK government action to prevent AI companies from using copyrighted material without permission, amid ongoing negotiations.