“Absolute losers:" Elton John blasts UK government over AI copyright laws

Music legend Sir Elton John has launched a blistering attack on UK government ministers over their approach to artificial intelligence (AI), accusing them of undermining artists’ rights and creativity.

The 77-year-old star criticized proposals that could allow tech companies to use artists’ work to train AI systems without compensation. In an interview with the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg, he didn’t hold back, “I think the government are just being absolute losers. I’m very angry about it, as you can tell.”

He also singled out Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Peter Kyle, describing him as “a moron” for even entertaining the idea.

Read more: Dua Lipa, Coldplay among artists calling for protection from AI exploitation

“Some people aren’t like me, they don’t earn as much as I do,” Sir Elton said. “When they’re creative, and it comes from the human soul and not from a machine – because a machine is not capable of writing anything with any soul in it – if you’re going to get rid of that and you’re going to rob young people of their legacy and their income, it’s a criminal offence, I think.”

His remarks come amid ongoing debate in the UK over how to regulate AI in a way that supports innovation while protecting the rights of creators. The government has faced mounting pressure from artists, writers, and performers who fear their work could be exploited by AI systems without consent or compensation.

In response to the criticism, Cabinet Office Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds acknowledged the concerns raised by the cultural community, stating, “The government is trying to find a way forward that is dealing with the concerns that are being raised quite passionately by the cultural sector, but also making sure that we maintain that world-leading position in AI. Pursuing those two objectives is the balance we need to strike.”

A government spokesperson also commented on the issue, emphasizing the need to support both industries, “We want our creative industries and AI companies to flourish, which is why we’re consulting on a package of measures that we hope will work for both sectors. We’re clear that changes will be considered unless we are completely satisfied they work for creators.”