Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page has voiced strong opposition to the UK Government's proposed Data (Use and Access) Bill, specifically regarding AI's use of existing music for training purposes. Page argues the proposed opt-out system would enable AI to exploit artists without proper compensation or consent.

Photo Credit: Avda // CC by 3.0

Drawing from his extensive experience as a session musician in 1960s London, Page emphasizes that authentic musical creativity stems from human collaboration, improvisation, and lived experience - elements that AI cannot replicate. He stresses that AI-generated content lacks the "visceral essence" that defines true artistry.

Key points from Page's statement:

• AI's use of existing works without consent or compensation amounts to exploitation
• The proposed opt-out system is technically impossible to implement effectively
• Human creativity in music comes from emotional experience and spontaneous collaboration
• AI-generated content lacks the authentic qualities of human-created art

Page joins over 1,000 other prominent musicians, including Annie Lennox, Damon Albarn, and Kate Bush, who recently released a silent protest album titled "Is This What We Want?" The album aims to highlight the potential impact of the proposed legislation on the UK music industry, with all profits going to Help Musicians charity.

The legislation would allow AI companies to use past and future works as training data without explicit permission or compensation, effectively bypassing creators' rights. Page and fellow artists argue this could fundamentally threaten the future of original human artistic expression and musicians' livelihoods.

This protest comes as the UK Government concludes its public consultation phase of the Data (Use and Access) Bill, with artists calling for stronger protections and fair compensation mechanisms for creative works used in AI training.

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