Legendary Beatles musician Paul McCartney has urged the British government to ensure upcoming copyright reforms protect artists from being exploited by artificial intelligence (AI). McCartney warned that AI could be used to "rip off" creatives if the proper legal protections aren't put in place.

Music and film industries worldwide are currently grappling with the ethical and legal challenges posed by AI models. These AI systems are capable of producing content after being trained on existing works, often without compensating the original creators. 

In response, Britain proposed a framework in December to allow artists to license their work for AI training but also suggested an exception for AI developers to use material where rights have not been explicitly reserved.

In an interview with the BBC on Sunday, McCartney expressed concerns that only tech giants stand to benefit unless copyright laws are updated to protect creators.

"AI is a great thing, but it shouldn't rip creative people off," said the 82-year-old musician. "Make sure you protect the creative thinkers, the creative artists, or you're not going to have them. As simple as that."

The British government is currently reviewing these reforms, acknowledging legal uncertainties surrounding the application of existing copyright laws in relation to AI. Officials have warned that these uncertainties may impede both investment in and the adoption of AI technologies.

McCartney, who in 2023 used AI to recreate the voice of his late Beatles bandmate John Lennon from an old cassette, highlighted the risks to young artists. "You get young guys, girls, coming up, and they write a beautiful song, and they don't own it, and they don't have anything to do with it and anyone who wants can just rip it off," he noted.

He further emphasised that streaming platforms, where the bulk of AI-generated content might be showcased, would direct earnings elsewhere, rather than to the creators. 

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"The truth is, the money's going somewhere, you know, and it gets on the streaming platforms – somebody's getting it, and it should be the person who created it. It shouldn't just be some tech giant somewhere," McCartney added.