The Authors Guild joins global efforts to oppose potential changes in Australian copyright law that could allow AI training on protected books without authorization.
Authors Guild opposes AI copyright changes
The Authors Guild, an American organization representing writers, has joined international efforts to oppose potential changes in Australian copyright law that could allow artificial intelligence models to be trained on protected books without prior authorization. This could enable AI developers to exploit protected works if training occurs in Australia, potentially affecting both foreign and Australian writers.Australian government rejects text mining exception
Australian officials have ruled out a general exception for text and data mining, which could have allowed the use of protected content for AI training without permission or compensation. Justice Minister Michelle Rowland reaffirmed the government's stance during an interview with ABC Radio National in September 2026, emphasizing voluntary licensing agreements as the preferred solution.Concerns over opt-out system for copyright
Authors and publishers reject the principle of individual opposition, arguing that a system allowing certain uses unless explicitly opposed (opt-out) places an undue burden on creators. They claim it would require writers to monitor and initiate procedures to oppose the use of their works, which they consider impractical and unfair.Publishers push for explicit authorizations
The Australian Publishers Association has presented its arguments before a parliamentary committee on AI, with representatives including writers Charlotte Wood, Anna Funder, and Markus Zusak. They demand explicit authorizations, negotiated conditions, and effective enforcement of rights, citing that about 200 Australian authors participate in a HarperCollins agreement based on prior consent.International publishers voice concerns
Professional federations from France, Britain, America, Germany, Brazil, and the International Publishers Association have expressed concerns to Canberra. They demand greater transparency on the contents used and financially accessible remedies, asking the government to publish proposals under study along with their legal and economic evaluations before any changes to copyright.Creative industries mobilize against AI use
This mobilization follows that of 17 Australian organizations in the creative industries, which previously refused to allow works to become counterparty in negotiations aimed at attracting technological investments. The Authors Guild proposes that creators sign a public statement opposing the legalization of using works without explicit authorization in Australia, planned for publication on October 22.
