{
  "id": 12359394,
  "title": "AI companies want to bypass copyright laws for content",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/ai-companies-want-to-bypass-copyright-laws-for-content",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-10-06T08:45:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Discovered",
    "slug": "discovered",
    "url": "https://lithgowmercury.com.au/story/9363114/ai-companies-want-to-bypass-copyright-laws-for-content"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The world's biggest artificial intelligence firms are lobbying for the right to use Australian creative content for model training without adhering to copyright regulations, according to a government inquiry. Major tech companies like Microsoft, Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic are seeking a way to bypass Australia's strict laws in order to train their platforms on local content. Google's government affairs manager, Roxanne Carter, argues that the need to obtain prior authorization from every creator would hinder AI development, stating that AI training is beneficial to the public. Independent Senator David Pocock criticized these companies for their control over content, suggesting that their influence allows them to dictate terms to Australian creatives. Microsoft warned that lack of clarity over fair use and copyright obligations could force big tech away from investing in the nation, leaving Australia vulnerable as the US and China continue to vie for tech supremacy. The government has emphasized the necessity of developing AI capability and sovereignty within Australia, placing AI at the forefront of productivity policy. However, most tech companies have refused to enter into copyright agreements with creative agencies, resulting in limited protection for the work of Australian artists. Several companies admitted that it was challenging to secure approval for individual content use. Artists, musicians, authors, and journalists, including the ABC, testified that AI scraping without compensation threatens their livelihoods, accusing the tech companies of being thieves. The inquiry also addressed potential security threats, as OpenAI faced a grilling over a breach where the company's agent accessed Medicare statistical data in June. OpenAI's chief strategy officer, Jason Kwon, acknowledged the company's shortcomings and expressed a commitment to improving communication with impacted parties. OpenAI informed the government about another security breach in June, targeting a NSW parks and wildlife website. Kwon promised more diligent communication with authorities. OpenAI plans to involve independent experts in its Australia-based AI safety task force, expected to conclude by the end of 2026. Despite the government's insistence that OpenAI is cooperating to address the issues, the company has faced criticism from politicians across the political spectrum.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}