ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus Advocates for AI Transparency and Copyright Safeguards for EU Creators
As artificial intelligence continues to transform various sectors, the creative industry is voicing pressing concerns regarding the utilization of copyrighted material by generative AI tools. Leading this dialogue is Björn Ulvaeus, cofounder of the iconic pop band ABBA and president of the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC). Ulvaeus, together with a group of European creators, recently engaged with key European Union policymakers to push for enhanced protections for artists within the upcoming EU AI Act.
The Central Issue: Safeguarding Human Creativity Amid AI Advancements
The EU AI Act, which is currently being formulated, seeks to regulate artificial intelligence in an ethical, transparent, and human-centered manner. Nonetheless, numerous creators worry that the legislation, as it stands, might permit AI companies to utilize their copyrighted works without consent, attribution, or fair compensation.
Ulvaeus and fellow artists—including Marika, Alice Wonder, Patrick Sigwalt, and Brice Homes—are advocating for the Act to incorporate explicit provisions that guarantee:
– Transparency: AI developers must declare when they are using copyrighted content for training or generating outputs.
– Consent: Creators should be asked for authorization before their works are integrated into AI systems.
– Remuneration: Artists must receive fair compensation when their intellectual property plays a role in AI-generated content.
“We must never allow ourselves to be misled by the misguided notion that, in the mad rush toward the new AI frontier, the interests of creators should be disregarded,” Ulvaeus stated. “This strategy is futile – it will not benefit the creative industry, the economy, culture, or even the tech industry, whose substantial AI earnings depend on copyrighted works created by individuals.”
A Coordinated Effort for Legislative Reform
The delegation’s initiatives in Brussels included several prominent engagements:
– A discussion with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola to relay creators’ apprehensions concerning the AI Act.
– A keynote address at the European Parliament Committee on Culture and Education’s public hearing titled “Empowering Creators in the Age of AI.”
– A meeting with EU Commissioner for Culture Glenn Micallef.
– An evening gathering at the European Parliament to further explore the effects of AI on the creative sector.
These discussions form part of a larger campaign aimed at ensuring that the EU AI Act stays true to its initial mission: promoting ethical AI development that supports—rather than diminishes—human creativity.
Ulvaeus: A Longtime Supporter of Ethical Technology
While ABBA has embraced technological advancements in creative ways—most notably through the pioneering ABBA Voyage concert experience in London, featuring digital avatars and immersive technology—Ulvaeus has consistently cautioned against the unchecked use of AI within the creative realm.
In April 2025, he publicly condemned the rising phenomenon of AI-generated music and art that replicates human creators without recognition or remuneration. His message is clear: technology should amplify creativity, not take advantage of it.
A Global Challenge with Local Resolutions
The issues brought to light by Ulvaeus and fellow artists extend beyond Europe. Across the globe, musicians, writers, visual artists, and other creators are grappling with how to secure their intellectual property amid rapidly evolving AI technologies.
The EU’s AI Act could potentially establish a global standard for how governments reconcile innovation with the rights of creators. By integrating transparency, consent, and compensation into the legislation, the EU has the chance to lead by example and set a standard for ethical AI governance.
Looking Forward
As AI technology continues to advance, the creative community’s demand for equitable treatment is becoming increasingly emphatic. The message from Björn Ulvaeus and his associates is straightforward yet significant: human creativity is the cornerstone of culture, and it must be preserved in the digital era.
With the EU AI Act still in deliberation, the upcoming months will be crucial in determining whether creators’ voices will be acknowledged—and whether the future of AI will honor and reward the artists who inspire it.
For further information on the creators’ campaign and updates on the EU AI Act, please visit CISAC’s official website.
