CANBERRA — Independent senator David Pocock described a proposed deal that would trade datacentre investment for weaker copyright laws as the "ultimate dirty deal". Creatives are seeking assurances from the Albanese government that copyright laws will not be weakened under a potential deal with technology firms.

The potential deal involves attracting more than $50 billion worth of datacentre investment. In exchange, an industry proposal presented to cabinet suggests granting AI companies exemptions to mine creative content, with the companies bankrolling a $350 million-a-year fund for artists. Mr. Pocock demanded the government reject the proposal.

Author Anna Funder spoke to the media in Canberra on Wednesday as part of a delegation urging the government to maintain current copyright laws. This delegation of creatives also staged a press conference in Parliament House. Ms. Funder cited the ease with which technology companies had profited from her works. "My books that I've lived off for 30 years, have all been hoovered up in many editions, in many countries, in many languages by big tech, broken down for parts and used for them to make money," Funder said.

Mr. Pocock stated he had received information indicating that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was preparing to announce a plan around July 15. This plan, according to Mr. Pocock, might offer expedited approvals and investment for new datacentres. Mr. Albanese has confirmed he will deliver a major speech in July regarding the government's approach to AI. Additionally, Mr. Albanese met with representatives from Anthropic last week.

The government stated it had no plans to weaken copyright protections and rejected Mr. Pocock's claims as inaccurate. A spokesperson for Attorney General Michelle Rowland stated, "The government has repeatedly said that there are no plans to weaken copyright protections when it comes to AI." The government insisted its position on a text and data mining exemption had not changed. Last year, the federal government had ruled out such an exemption after criticism from artists, authors, and media groups. "What cabinet is considering is the ultimate dirty deal, selling out Australian musicians, writers, authors and other creatives in return for an eye-wateringly large investment in AI data centres, which, as we know, are currently wildly unregulated in this country," Pocock said in a speech to parliament on Wednesday.

Mr. Pocock maintained the accuracy of his information regarding the proposal. "The government has criticised me a lot, but has not denied it, because it is true."