Beatles legend warns against potential copyright law allowing AI to train on artists' work, "Anyone who wants can just rip it off"

Sir Paul McCartney has told the BBC proposed changes to copyright law could allow "rip off" technology that might make it impossible for musicians and artists to make a living.

"Somebody's getting paid, so why shouldn't it be the guy who sat down and wrote 'Yesterday'?" the former Beatle said.

Paul McCartney has urged the British government not to make a change to copyright laws that he says could let artificial intelligence companies rip off artists.

This comes after McCartney and his fellow surviving Beatle Sir Ringo Starr used AI to extract the late John Lennon’s vocals from a demo left behind, to create a new song Now and Then. The song has been billed as The Beatles’ very final song and enjoyed critical praise on its release in 2023, nominated for two Grammy Awards.

Paul McCartney said proposed changes to copyright laws that would allow AI developers to use content will make it difficult for artists to make money.

Legendary musician Paul McCartney is warning against proposed changes to UK copyright law that would allow tech companies to freely train their models on

Paul McCartney implored the U.K. government to protect creators from getting 'ripped off' in a January 2025 interview.