Your photos, your words and your work: why is Labor making it easier for AI companies to take them for free? | Holly Rankin
News Source
•Wed, 16 Sep 2026 02:24:48 GMT
📰 What Happened
Holly Rankin writes that leaked government documents show Australia is considering an ‘opt-out model’ for AI and copyright. Under it, AI companies could train on the open internet here without asking first.
She says every family photo, small business website and personal blog would be fair game. Right now a company must ask permission. The proposal would make each person opt out instead.
Rankin argues the plan serves AI companies before ordinary people. She asks the government to explain the benefit to Australians openly.
🔍 The Backstory
AI firms have scraped billions of pieces of content worldwide to train their models. More than 200 legal cases are running in different countries against this practice.
Last year Britain held firm on its copyright law after artists such as Elton John, Dua Lipa and Paul McCartney campaigned against change. Their government listened.
Rankin notes that tech bosses including Sam Altman, Dario Amodei and Elon Musk have called for rules to control AI. She says copyright law is one of those rules.
🎯 Why It Matters
If the change goes ahead, your own photos and writing could train AI tools unless you opt out. This opinion piece argues that trade is not a good one.
Holly Rankin writes that leaked government documents show Australia is considering an ‘opt-out model’ for AI and copyright. Under it, AI companies could train on the open internet here without asking first.
She says every family photo, small business website and personal blog would be fair game. Right now a company must ask permission. The proposal would make each person opt out instead.
Rankin argues the plan serves AI companies before ordinary people. She asks the government to explain the benefit to Australians openly.
AI firms have scraped billions of pieces of content worldwide to train their models. More than 200 legal cases are running in different countries against this practice.
Last year Britain held firm on its copyright law after artists such as Elton John, Dua Lipa and Paul McCartney campaigned against change. Their government listened.
Rankin notes that tech bosses including Sam Altman, Dario Amodei and Elon Musk have called for rules to control AI. She says copyright law is one of those rules.
If the change goes ahead, your own photos and writing could train AI tools unless you opt out. This opinion piece argues that trade is not a good one.