Albanese Minister and Pocock Disagree on AI Copyright Claim

The topic is technology.

It happened on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 5:12 pm.

MP David Pocock said the Albanese government is thinking about changing how AI companies use Australian copyright material.

David Pocock and a senior Albanese government minister disagreed about a claim that the government might let AI companies use Australian copyright material.

Minister Tim Ayres said Mr Pocock was speculating without a good reason.

The argument was about Mr Pocock's claim that the government is secretly thinking about two plans to change copyright rules for AI training.

Many government agencies missed deadlines to say how they are using AI.

One plan would create a special rule for AI companies, which could bring in a lot of money.

The other plan would make it easier for AI companies to use Australian material by expanding licensing agreements.

Mr Pocock said a trustworthy source gave him information about the plans.

The ABC did not verify the source or the plans.

Minister Tim Ayres said Mr Pocock was speculating without a good reason.

Spokespeople for Minister Ayres and Assistant Minister Andrew Charlton said the claims were not true.

They said the government will not make an exception for text and data mining.

A spokesperson for Attorney-General Michelle Rowland also denied plans to weaken copyright protection.

The government wants a copyright system that protects creators and helps AI innovation.

The office of Home Affairs and Arts Minister Tony Burke was asked for comment.

The government has said it will not weaken copyright laws for AI companies.

Pocock and Ayres argued about the whistleblower's claims.

In Question Time, Senator Pocock asked Minister Ayres to rule out changing copyright rules for AI companies.

Senator Pocock asked if the government was thinking about plans to let AI companies use Australian creators' work.

A philosopher will lead the government's efforts to keep Australians safe from AI.

Senator Pocock asked if the government was considering plans tied to a creative arts fund and data centre investment.

Minister Ayres said the government will not undermine copyright protections.

He said Australia should control its own technology.

Minister Ayres accused Senator Pocock of speculating without a good reason.

Senator Pocock said Minister Ayres did not rule out the claims.

The creative sector is warning about the cost to artists.

Technology companies say Australia's copyright system makes it hard to invest in AI.

AI systems use a lot of data, including copyright material.

A report says the growth of data centres is hurting Australia's energy transition.

A text and data mining exemption would allow copying and analysis of material without individual licenses.

A licensing extension would preserve payment or permission systems.

The difference is whether AI companies can use material without dealing with creators and rights holders.

The CEO of ARIA said the creative industries would be concerned if the government reversed its decision on text and data mining.

The ABC asked for more information about AI regulation.

The CEO of ARIA said the creative industries were not consulted and would oppose such a plan.

A law professor said Australian copyright law is outdated, but a fund raises questions about who would be paid.

She said creators might want to refuse to have their work used, including Indigenous creators.

Another law professor said the existing system is not working, but tying copyright change to data centres is not a good argument.

She said the argument that data centres need a copyright exception is not true.

She asked what the exception is supposed to do, instead of a license.

The copyright dispute has escalated.

In October, Attorney-General Michelle Rowland said the government would not grant a copyright exemption for AI training.

Tech industry figures have continued to argue for copyright reform.

Atlassian co-founder Scott Farquhar said urgent reform is needed to secure AI investment.

He said AI companies would need to make deals with every artist to comply with Australian law.

Attorney-General Michelle Rowland repeated her stance in May.

She said the government is committed to supporting the creative sector and will not weaken copyright protections.

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