NextFin news, News Corp Australasia executive chairman Michael Miller urged the Australian federal government on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, in Melbourne to protect existing copyright laws from being weakened to accommodate artificial intelligence (AI) firms. He warned that allowing AI companies to freely use Australian media content without payment or attribution would threaten the country’s cultural identity and creative industries.
Speaking at the Melbourne Press Club, Miller described the current AI-driven digital landscape as a new form of exploitation, likening it to "Grand Theft Australia." He said AI bots are "hoovering up" content created by Australian journalists and media companies without compensation, which could lead to fewer Australian voices and stories in the public domain.
"We are arguably being asked to surrender our stories, our voice, our culture, our identity, and ultimately, our Australianness," Miller said. He emphasized that the tech revolution’s initial phase was built on the free use of others’ trusted work, a practice that should not be repeated with AI.
Miller called for a united front among media companies to demand the government rule out any changes to the Copyright Act that would undermine creators’ rights. He stressed that the current law already provides copyright holders with the right to control, negotiate terms, receive payment, and enforce breaches, including those involving AI companies.
He also rejected claims from the tech industry that Australia would miss out on billions of dollars in investment if copyright laws were not relaxed. Instead, Miller urged the government to fully implement the News Media Bargaining Code, deliver on the NewsMAP media assistance program, and establish a social licence for technology companies operating in Australia.
While acknowledging AI’s potential benefits for journalism, Miller warned that unchecked use of media content by AI could destroy the industry by delivering content to vast audiences without attribution or payment. He cautioned against repeating the mistakes of the early internet era, which he described as the "Wild Wild Web."
The executive’s remarks come amid growing concerns in Australia and globally about the impact of AI on intellectual property rights, media sustainability, and cultural preservation. Miller’s call to action highlights the tension between technological innovation and protecting the rights of content creators.
His speech was widely reported by Australian media outlets including the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), News.com.au, and The Guardian, reflecting the significance of the issue for the country’s media landscape and policy debates.
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