In this first update, our CEO Roberto Neri highlights the Academy’s uncompromised advocacy, particularly in its fight against the threat of AI exploitation.
Our uncompromised advocacy
The Ivors Academy is the only organisation in the music industry solely dedicated to the success of songwriters and composers. Our Senate and Board are elected by songwriters and composers, meaning that our advocacy is independent, uncompromised and focused on protecting your rights.
Fighting against AI exploitation
AI is one of the biggest challenges our community has ever faced. While it has potential as a tool to support creativity and improve efficiency in the industry, it must be developed in a way that protects copyright, provides transparency and values human creativity.
That’s why we’ve been leading the fight against exploitative AI practices that undermine the livelihoods of music creators.
Lobbying the government
The government has launched a consultation on AI regulation, which includes a proposal to change copyright law to introduce a “text and data mining exception” that would allow AI companies to use all musicians’ and composers’ work without asking for permission or paying royalties or licence fees.
Many writers and creatives, including Ivors Academy Fellows Paul McCartney and Elton John, have warned that these proposals risk undermining copyright and threaten the future of the creative industries.
Take action: respond to the consultation
With only days left to respond before the consultation closes at 11.59 pm on Tuesday 25th February, we are urging songwriters and composers to make their voices heard.
Use our guide with suggested responses to help submit your views to the government.
How we’re defending your rights
We’ve taken direct action to push back against these proposals, including:
- Presenting a strong, united voice to government by working with amongst others, the Council of Music Makers, UK Music, the British Copyright Council and the Creators’ Rights Alliance.
- Securing amendments strengthening copyright protection in the Data Bill by briefing MPs and Lords ahead of key debates.
- Highlighting the data protection risks AI poses to creators by submitting evidence to the Information Commissioner’s Office inquiry into AI.
- Advocating for your value by equipping members with key insights when engaging with the government.
- Joining The Creative Rights in AI Coalition, which has created a tool to help you write to your MP with your concerns.
- Making sure your concerns are heard through member webinars and Senate sessions to inform our lobbying and government consultation response.
What’s next
We’re now preparing our formal response to the AI consultation, where we will defend the importance of human creativity, push for greater transparency from AI companies, and demand that creators have control over how their works are used.
Thank you
The Ivors Academy exists to protect, empower and champion you, the songwriters and composers at the heart of the music industry. Your voice matters, and we’ll continue to work hard so it is heard and respected.
