Opened the debate
Pocock argued that the government was consulting on options that significantly weakened existing copyright protections for creatives. Pocock stated that current laws automatically protect content, placing the onus on AI companies to seek permission and pay for use. Pocock claimed the government intended to flip this onus by introducing a statutory data-training authorisation model. This model would grant AI companies statutory permission to access internet material for training unless creators actively opted out. Pocock argued this approach prioritised AI companies over everyday Australians and undermined the rights of content owners.