URGENT UPDATE: Media executive Michael Miller has delivered a stark warning regarding artificial intelligence, claiming it poses a severe threat to Australian culture and intellectual property. Speaking at the Melbourne Press Club on October 25, 2023, Miller cautioned that the government must resist pressure from big tech and AI companies to dilute copyright laws, or risk losing the very essence of Australia’s cultural identity.
Miller emphasized that the tech industry’s first “big steal” involved exploiting creative works without compensation, and he believes a repeat could devastate the creator economy. “If it was a video game, it would be called Grand Theft Australia,” he stated, highlighting the urgency of this issue for the nation.
The News Corp Australasia chairman warned that AI bots are currently “hoovering” up content without paying creators or taking responsibility for their outputs. “We are being asked to surrender our stories, our voice, our culture, our identity,” he added. This alarming trend is particularly concerning as Australians are among the top users of AI tools globally.
Miller urged all media entities to unite and demand the federal government to reaffirm the integrity of copyright laws. He refuted claims from tech companies suggesting that they would withdraw investments from Australia unless copyright laws were weakened. “The Copyright Act provides the right to control and be compensated for creative works—this should not be undermined,” he insisted.
The stakes are high, as Miller predicts that a failure to protect Australian intellectual property will result in “less media, less Australian voices, and less Australian stories.” He called on the government to deliver on the NewsMAP media assistance program, implement the news media bargaining code, and establish a social license for tech companies.
While acknowledging the potential benefits AI could bring to journalism, Miller warned that if left unchecked, it could “destroy our industry.” He stressed the importance of maintaining the balance between innovation and the safeguarding of Australian creativity.
As this situation develops, the media landscape and cultural identity of Australia hang in the balance. Stakeholders and citizens alike are urged to pay close attention to these critical discussions and advocate for the protection of their stories and heritage.
