The Beatles' Paul McCartney warns AI could be used to 'scam'

Globally, the music and film industries are grappling with the legal and ethical implications of AI models that can create their own products after being trained on popular works, without necessarily paying the creators of the original content, according to Paul McCartney.

In December 2024, the UK government proposed a way for artists to license their work in training AI technology, but also said there should be an exception "to support large-scale use of a wide range of materials by AI developers where rights have not been reserved".

In a BBC interview broadcast on January 27, Paul McCartney said he was concerned that only tech giants would benefit if copyright was not properly protected.

“AI is a wonderful thing, but it shouldn’t take away the rights of creators. Make sure the government protects creative artists, or they won’t exist. It’s as simple as that,” McCartney said.

The government is consulting on reforming copyright law, saying there is legal uncertainty about how current law applies in the UK, which risks undermining investment and adoption of AI technology.

The musician, who used AI to recreate the voice of the late Beatles member John Lennon from an old cassette recording in 2023, said artists risk losing out if changes are not handled properly.

Paul McCartney added: "Young guys and girls come along. They write a great song but they don't own it, they have nothing to do with it and anyone who wants to can copy it. The truth is, you know, everything's going to be on streaming platforms."