Beatles musician Paul McCartney has warned that AI could be used to ‘rip off’ artists, urging the UK government to ensure copyright reforms protect the country’s creative industries.

Globally, the music and film industries are grappling with the legal and ethical implications of AI models that can create their own output after being trained on popular works, without necessarily paying the original creators, according to McCartney.

In December 2024, the UK government proposed a way for artists to license their work when training AI technology, but said there should be an exception “to support the large-scale use of a wide range of material by AI developers where rights have not been reserved”.

Paul McCartney warns AI could be used to ‘rip off’ artists

In a BBC interview broadcast on 27 January, Paul McCartney said he was concerned that only tech giants would benefit if copyright was not properly protected.

“AI is a wonderful thing, but it shouldn’t take away the rights of creators. Make sure the government protects creative artists, otherwise they won’t exist. It’s as simple as that,” McCartney said.

The government is consulting on copyright law reform, saying there is legal uncertainty about how current laws apply in the UK, which risks undermining investment and adoption of AI technology.

The musician, who used AI to recreate the voice of the late Beatle John Lennon from an old cassette recording in 2023, said artists risk losing out if changes are not handled properly.

Paul McCartney added: “Young guys and girls come along. They write a great song but they don’t own it, they have nothing to do with it and anyone who wants to can copy it. The truth is, you know, everything is going to be on streaming platforms.”