Artists, journalists and Aboriginal cultural workers across Australia launched the "Stop AI Theft" campaign because they say generative AI copies work without permission. They worry this practice costs jobs and income for creative people.
In July 2024 the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance set out demands at a Senate hearing. They asked for an opt-out for creators, rules to make companies pay, and public transparency about training materials.
The campaign encouraged an open letter to major tech CEOs, took part in talks with companies in August 2025, and welcomed a government decision in October 2025 to keep copyright protections.
Difficult words
- generative — software that makes new images or text
- permission — agreement to allow someone to do something
- campaign — planned public actions to reach a goal
- opt-out — choice to stop being included or used
- transparency — clear public information about actions or decisions
- copyright protection — laws that protect creators' rights to workcopyright protections
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think creators should be able to stop companies from using their work? Why?
- Have you seen art or writing that might be made by AI? How did it look?
- Which demand from the campaign seems most important to you, and why?
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