This week’s news highlighted growing tensions between AI developers and creative industries worldwide, with copyright issues taking center stage.

In the United Kingdom, over 150 artists, including Paul McCartney and Elton John, signed a letter demanding transparency from AI companies about what creative works they use for training. The letter, supported by media groups like the Financial Times, argues that UK stories and music drive tourism and jobs. Baroness Kidron, leading the push, warned against letting "mass copyright theft" hurt the economy. The government responded by backing licensing models to ensure fair pay for creators.

Across the Atlantic, the US Copyright Office released a report stating that scraping copyrighted content for commercial AI training likely breaks fair use rules. The next day, President Trump fired the agency’s head, Shira Perlmutter, sparking accusations of political interference. Critics say this helps tech giants like those linked to Elon Musk, who reportedly wants to "delete all IP law" despite relying on patents himself.

The UK music industry separately warned that government plans for AI training could weaken copyright protections. Artists fear AI tools might copy their styles without payment. Lawmakers suggested creating a "vibrant licensing market" to let AI companies legally access content.

Legal experts stress that copyright clarity is crucial. As one UK lord said, "We cannot let AI theft damage our economy for years". Meanwhile, tech leaders argue strict rules could slow AI progress. The battle over who owns creative ideas—humans or machines—remains unresolved.