Former Arts Minister and The Script frontman back SF bill to stop AI from “ripping off” artists

Sinn Féin spokesperson for Gaeilge, Gaeltacht, Arts and Culture, Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, has welcomed the endorsements of the International Federation of Actors, Danny O’Donoghue from The Script, and former Arts Minister Catherine Martin of the Ivors Academy for his motion tabled for debate in the Dáil tomorrow (Tuesday 14th July) on protecting the copyright of Irish artists in the era of artificial intelligence.

The text of the motion can be read here.

In a letter, Dominick Luquer, General Secretary of the International Federation of Actors (FIA), the global federation of performers’ trade unions and guilds representing over 80 affiliated organisations in more than 60 countries, wrote:

“FIA shares the concern at the accelerating impact of generative AI on the rights, incomes and working conditions of performers: this is first and foremost a threat to employment and livelihoods, not merely a technical copyright question.

“AI systems that imitate or reproduce a performer’s voice, likeness or performance without informed consent or compensation threaten to displace paid engagements at source, deepening precarity already well documented in Ireland’s arts sector.

Danny O’Donoghue from The Script said in a statement from the Ivors Academy:

“It’s vital that the government backs us on this motion to protect Irish songwriters and composers from the misuse of generative AI. We must stand up for the creators who have dedicated their lives to this craft which is the foundation of Irish culture and give them what they deserve – their consent, fair pay and transparency.”

Catherine Martin, head of policy in Ireland for the Ivors Academy and former Arts Minister added:

“Ireland has an opportunity to lead the conversation on creators’ rights during its Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and we hope this motion builds momentum for meaningful, practical action. We urge members of Dáil Éireann to support songwriters and composers by voting in support of the motion on 14 July.”

Aengus Ó Snodaigh, Dublin South Central TD and former Chair of the Oireachtas Culture Committee, said:

“These interventions are a welcome indication that Sinn Féin’s motion is in line with the demands of artists right across the world who are having to adapt to the challenge of AI on top of existing power imbalances in their sector.

“I call on the Government to support this motion and make every effort at home and at EU level to put in place a fit-for-purpose copyright framework that protects the livelihoods of artists who are being ripped off by AI.”