Independent senator David Pocock challenges the Albanese government over proposals being considered for Australia’s AI copyright settings. Pocock raises concerns that federal cabinet may be considering changes that could allow technology companies to use Australian copyright material to train AI models. He calls for the government to rule out a “carve out” approach, and he questions whether existing licensing arrangements could be extended to cover AI training. The discussions are linked to an expected government announcement and broader work on AI-related copyright rules, which Pocock says the government plans to address in July.
ABC reports that Pocock clashes with a senior Albanese minister in relation to claims that cabinet is considering options to permit AI companies to train on Australian copyright content, including the possibility of new exceptions. The West Australian and PerthNow similarly report Pocock’s allegations that the government is acting with “secrecy” around the development of any carve-out for AI in copyright law. Across the reports, the core issue is whether and how Australian copyright rules may be changed to account for AI training, and the transparency of those policy deliberations.
