Independent senator David Pocock raises concerns about proposals that would allow technology companies to use Australian copyright material to train AI models. During Senate question time, Pocock asks the Albanese government to rule out any arrangement in which AI firms could rely on Australian content for model development. He points to lobbying by major AI companies and to cabinet discussions of potential changes to copyright settings for AI, which he says could include creating a new “carve out” for AI use or extending existing licensing arrangements.
ABC reports that Pocock clashes with a senior Albanese government minister over a whistleblower claim that federal cabinet is considering plans to let AI companies train on Australian copyright material. The reporting reflects disagreement within the government on what is being considered and whether such use would be consistent with Australia’s current copyright framework.
Both outlets describe the issue as linked to ongoing policy work on AI copyright in the lead-up to a planned government announcement in July, with Pocock calling for clearer limits and opposition to any approach that would permit AI training using Australian content without adequate safeguards.
