ABBA co-founder and CISAC President Björn Ulvaeus urges UK government not to weaken copyright for AI

London – 29 April 2025 – CISAC President Björn Ulvaeus has concluded two days of meetings in the UK, urging the government to safeguard human creators in the AI age and avoid weakening creators’ rights.

Speaking at an open discussion with Members of Parliament and Lords in Westminster and joined by CISAC and PRS, Ulvaeus emphasized that the UK must maintain its leadership in the creative industries by embracing AI while staying true to copyright.

The statement followed a meeting on Monday with Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Peter Kyle and a separate discussion with Peers at the House of Lords.

In words to the meeting of Lords and Parliamentarians on Tuesday convened to discuss the government’s consultation on AI and copyright, Ulvaeus said:

“Copyright is the oxygen which creators and the creative economy depend on for their existence and survival. They cannot be sacrificed.

“I am convinced that the AI revolution can be not only the biggest, but also the best, revolution that the creative industries have faced. That is possible, but only if there is a legitimate, mutually-respecting partnership between creators and AI operators.

“Unfortunately, there is an alternative and, in my opinion, more dangerous view, driven by profit-seeking tech companies. That view favours a weaker rights framework and broad exceptions to copyright.

This would take away from the creators their right to negotiate for the use of their works, and that would be a historic setback for both creators and the tech sector.”

The full speech can be accessed here.

Background

Ulvaeus, joined by CISAC and PRS, met on Monday with Secretary of State Peter Kyle, Lord Kevin Brennan and members of the House of Lords.

On Tuesday, Ulvaeus spoke at the Data (Use and Access) Bill – AI & Copyright Open Discussion, chaired by Baroness Kidron.