Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page has joined the growing opposition against the UK Government's proposed AI measures in the Data (Use and Access) Bill, specifically criticizing the opt-out system for AI training using existing music.

Photo Credit: Avda // CC by 3.0

Drawing from his experience as a session musician in 1960s London, Page emphasizes that true musical creativity comes from human collaboration and spontaneous improvisation—elements that AI cannot replicate. He argues that AI-generated music lacks the "visceral essence that comes from lived experience."

Page's main concerns about the proposed legislation include:

• The technical impossibility of effectively opting out of AI training
• Lack of proper compensation for artists
• Absence of consent requirements
• Risk to original creativity and artistic innovation

The guitarist specifically criticizes the government's opt-out system as "unworkable," stating it would allow AI companies to use creative works without consent or payment, effectively exploiting artists' intellectual property.

This protest adds to the voices of over 1,000 musicians, including Annie Lennox, Damon Albarn, and Kate Bush, who recently released a silent album titled "Is This What We Want?" to protest the proposed changes. All profits from this album will support the Help Musicians charity.

Page concludes his statement by emphasizing that music transcends mere data, describing it as "an evocation, a defiance of logic, a collision of time and place and soul." He urges for legislation that protects human creativity and ensures fair compensation for artists whose works are used in AI training.

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