TL;DR
- Elton John criticizes the UK government, labeling them "absolute losers" over recent AI copyright law proposals.
- He argues these changes threaten the livelihoods of young artists.
- Calls for a legal battle if necessary to protect the rights of creators.
- The backlash has garnered support from various high-profile musicians advocating for stronger copyright protections.
Elton John Brands Government 'Losers' Over AI Copyright Plans
Sir Elton John has vehemently criticized the UK government's proposed changes to copyright law that would allow tech companies to use copyrighted material without seeking permission from creators. During an interview on BBC One's program "Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg," John expressed his frustration, stating that the proposals could effectively rob young artists of their income and legacy.
John's remarks come amid mounting concerns within the creative industry about the ethical implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) accessing and utilizing copyrighted works without appropriate compensation. He characterized such measures as tantamount to "theft," labeling the technology secretary, Peter Kyle, as "a bit of a moron" in response to his stance.
"The government are just being absolute losers, and I’m very angry about it," John stated. "It’s a criminal offence, I think," he added, expressing his willingness to take judicial action if the government persists with these plans[^1][^2].
Context of the Controversy
The current debate centers on the Data (Use and Access) Bill, which proposes allowing AI firms to utilize copyrighted works without explicit consent unless the copyright holders opt out. This has sparked outrage from many in the creative community, including notable figures such as Sir Paul McCartney, Dua Lipa, and Ed Sheeran. They, along with over 400 other creatives, have signed a letter to the Prime Minister advocating for stronger protections for artists and demanding transparency regarding how their works are used by AI companies[^3][^4].
In his statements, John articulated a deep sense of betrayal by the government, which recently ignored a House of Lords vote that favored curbing the proposed amendments meant to protect artists. He described the government's indifference as a lack of understanding for the creative sector, stating:
"The House of Lords did a vote, and it was more than two to one in our favor; the government just looked at it as if to say: 'Hmmm, well the old people … like me can afford it.'"[^2][^4].
The Response from the Government
In contrast to the backlash from the music industry, government officials argue that the proposed changes are essential for making the UK an attractive destination for AI companies. They believe that without such liberalizations, tech firms might relocate to countries with more favorable laws. A spokesperson from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology emphasized that they aim to balance the growth of creative industries with the advancements in AI technology[^1][^4].
Moving Forward
The upcoming House of Lords vote on copyright protections will be critical for determining the future of the creative landscape in the UK. As more artists and industry professionals rally behind John's cause, the government's response in the coming weeks will be pivotal in shaping copyright law as it relates to AI.
Elton John's passionate stance and readiness to challenge the government in court signal a significant shift in how artists may need to navigate the evolving landscape of technology and copyright in the artistic community. The implications of these changes will likely resonate across the industry for years to come, affecting both established stars and emerging talent alike[^3][^4].
References
[^1]: Dan Milmo (2025-05-18). "Elton John calls UK government 'absolute losers' over AI copyright plans". The Guardian. Retrieved October 2023.
[^2]: Mark Sellman (2025-05-18). "Elton John brands minister a 'moron' over AI copyright plans". The Times. Retrieved October 2023.
[^3]: "Elton John brands Labour government 'absolute losers' over AI copyright plans". The Independent. (2025-05-18). Retrieved October 2023. Link
[^4]: "Elton John brands the government 'losers' and minister a 'moron' as he lashes out in row over AI 'theft'". Daily Mail. (2025-05-18). Retrieved October 2023. Link
Keywords: Elton John, AI copyright, UK government, copyright law, artists' rights, Data Bill, technology secretary, Peter Kyle.