International

Artists unite to urge Keir Starmer to legislate AI protections amid tariff tensions

Sunday, 11 May 2025 12:10AM UTC

A coalition of major artists including Paul McCartney and Dua Lipa has called on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to implement stronger protections against AI misuse of creative content as the UK navigates complex international trade negotiations and US tariff threats on the film sector.

In a bold move reflecting the growing concerns over artificial intelligence's impact on creativity, a coalition of prominent artists has sent an urgent letter to UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Among the signatories are musical legends Paul McCartney and Dua Lipa, along with influential figures like Richard Curtis. The letter, supported by around 400 musicians and media executives, calls for robust protections against the misuse of their intellectual property by AI technologies.

This initiative comes in the wake of Baroness Beeban Kidron's proposed amendment to the Data Bill, which aims to rein in the rampant appropriation of creative works. The amendment, if enacted, would mandate tech companies disclose which copyrighted materials they utilise to train their AI models. This would not only serve to protect artists but also ensure transparency in how AI companies operate. The letter emphasises that without such protections, creators risk losing ownership over their work, leading to a potential erosion of creativity and innovation within the arts.

The artists' concerns echo a broader debate on the implications of AI technology, particularly in the creative industries. The fast-paced evolution of AI has raised questions about the ethical boundaries of using existing creative outputs, with many arguing that the current legislative framework is insufficient to cope with these challenges. The letter urges Starmer to take decisive action, reinforcing the notion that safeguarding creativity should be a priority for policymakers in the digital age.

Meanwhile, as the UK's creative sector grapples with the implications of AI, international tensions continue to escalate on other fronts. In a notable shift of stance, US President Donald Trump has indicated a willingness to negotiate reductions in tariffs on Chinese goods. This comes ahead of high-stakes discussions in Geneva, where US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer are set to meet with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng. The ongoing trade war has had far-reaching effects, not only impacting bilateral relations but also sending ripples throughout the global economy. Trump suggested in a post that tariffs could potentially be reduced significantly, reflecting a desire to ease tensions and restore trade balance between the two nations.

However, this spirit of negotiation is juxtaposed with heightened threats to industries reliant on cross-border collaboration. In a bid to bolster domestic film production, Trump has hinted at imposing a 100% tariff on all foreign-made films, citing national security concerns. This drastic measure aims to safeguard the American entertainment industry from what he perceives as predatory foreign competition. The proposal has drawn criticism from various quarters, with many warning it could stifle creativity and collaboration on an international scale.

Additionally, the anticipated improvements to Ireland’s film tax incentives, designed to enhance the country's attractiveness as a filming location, have been delayed due to fears of retaliatory tariffs from the US. Government sources have confirmed that discussions regarding the enhancement of Section 481, the Irish film tax credit, were postponed following Trump’s aggressive tariff rhetoric. Officials believe the timing of such announcements could send mixed signals to the US administration, further complicating bilateral relations amid the ongoing trade tussle.

As negotiations between the US and China continue, the discussions have highlighted the complexities of global trade dynamics. Reports from Geneva indicate that the US aims for a substantial resolution to the trade war, with officials characterising talks as constructive. However, the mixed signals from both sides demonstrate the precarious nature of negotiations in today’s economic landscape. Uncertainty surrounding tariffs continues to disrupt markets, as businesses on both sides of the Pacific brace for potential impacts.

These developments reveal a landscape where the intersection of technology, creativity, and international relations is becoming increasingly critical. The letters from artists underscore the necessity of adapting legal frameworks to protect creative rights in the face of technological advancements, while the fluctuating approach to international trade shows the intricate balancing act nations must perform in an interconnected world. As industries evolve, vigilance and proactive measures will be essential to safeguard both creativity and economic stability in the face of rapid change.

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Source: Noah Wire Services

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https://www.businesspost.ie/news/what-the-papers-say-dua-lipa-and-paul-mccartney-demand-action-on-ai-rip-off-trump-warms-up-to-ch/ - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://elpais.com/internacional/2025-05-10/estados-unidos-y-china-inician-en-ginebra-la-negociacion-sobre-los-aranceles-con-vistas-a-una-tregua-en-su-guerra-comercial.html - High-level U.S. and Chinese officials met in Geneva to negotiate tariffs aimed at de-escalating the trade war. The U.S. delegation, led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, discussed potential tariff reductions with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng. President Trump suggested reducing tariffs on Chinese goods to 80%, signaling a willingness to ease tensions. The meeting aimed to address the significant trade imbalances and strained relations between the two nations, with both sides seeking a resolution to avoid further economic disruptions.
https://apnews.com/article/71a6e410a0e5771c70ac853563a8b75d - U.S. and Chinese trade talks resumed in Geneva, focusing on tariff reductions to ease global market tensions. The 10-hour meeting, hosted by the Swiss ambassador to the U.N., included discussions between U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng. President Trump characterized the talks as constructive, highlighting 'great progress' and a potential 'total reset' in U.S.-China trade relations. The discussions aimed to address the escalating trade war and its impact on the global economy.
https://cadenaser.com/nacional/2025/05/10/centenares-de-artistas-britanicos-eixgen-a-keir-starmer-que-actualice-las-leyes-de-derechos-de-autor-ante-el-peligro-de-la-ia-cadena-ser/ - Approximately 500 British artists, including Paul McCartney, Dua Lipa, Elton John, Ian McKellen, and Kazuo Ishiguro, have signed a letter urging Prime Minister Keir Starmer to update copyright laws in response to the threats posed by artificial intelligence. The artists criticize current legislative proposals that would allow tech companies to use creative works without the authors' consent, potentially leading to a 'loss of creativity.' They call for an amendment to the Data Bill that would require AI developers to disclose which specific works are used to train their models, ensuring transparency and protection for creators.
https://apnews.com/article/415367dff6ae5bb7dc0871db5ac97d48 - President Donald Trump announced plans to impose a 100% tariff on all foreign-made films, citing a rapid decline in the U.S. movie industry and labeling foreign film incentives as national security threats and propaganda risks. He claimed that other nations were attracting filmmakers away from the U.S. with financial incentives, leading to the industry's downturn. The White House confirmed it is exploring how to implement the directive, aiming to revitalize domestic film production and reduce dependency on foreign-made content.
https://www.axios.com/2025/05/06/trump-tariffs-china-small-businesses - The article details how tariffs significantly impacted Lay-n-Go, a small business known for producing cosmetic bags and drawstring carriers. After Donald Trump's reelection, the company anticipated added tariffs on Chinese imports and moved production out of China. However, this shift failed to prevent shrinking profit margins. Originally manufacturing in China since its 2010 inception, Lay-n-Go explored domestic production options but found them too costly. By 2022, increased tariff expenses forced the company to downsize and abandon retail partnerships with Target and QVC, transitioning to an online-only direct-to-consumer model.
https://www.ft.com/content/960787b5-693a-47e9-b1df-661d315e4729 - Chinese exporters are increasingly using fraudulent tactics to evade U.S. tariffs imposed under the Trump administration, significantly undermining the policy's goals. By undervaluing cargo and mislabeling goods through a delivery duties paid (DDP) system, exporters reduce or eliminate tariff costs. This deceptive practice allows Chinese suppliers to offer U.S. importers lower costs, placing law-abiding American businesses at a competitive disadvantage. Some suppliers even offer to act as foreign importers of record, exploiting U.S. regulations that allow non-domestic entities to register with minimal oversight.

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 6

Notes: The narrative references current events and developments, such as the letter from artists to UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and ongoing US-China trade negotiations. However, specific details like the exact date of the letter or negotiations are not provided, which might indicate slightly outdated information.

Quotes check

Score: 8

Notes: No direct quotes are provided in the narrative, which means there is no opportunity to verify them. However, the narrative does not appear to be based on previously published quotes, which could suggest original reporting.

Source reliability

Score: 8

Notes: The narrative originates from The Business Post, which is a reputable publication known for its financial and business news. This suggests a level of reliability in the information presented.

Plausability check

Score: 7

Notes: The claims about artists demanding protections against AI misuse and the ongoing US-China trade tensions are plausible and align with current global discussions. However, specific details about Trump's proposals and the exact status of the Irish film tax incentives lack concrete evidence.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM

Summary: The narrative appears to be generally reliable due to its origin from a reputable source and its alignment with current global issues. However, it lacks specific dates or quotes, which reduces the confidence in its freshness and plausibility.

Artificial Intelligence
IP rights
Trade tariffs
Paul McCartney
UK politics
Film industry