ABBA’s Björn and EU Artists Advocate for Creators’ Rights in AI Legislation
On June 2, 2025, a prominent meeting unfolded involving Björn Ulvaeus, cofounder of the legendary music group ABBA, alongside various EU creators who gathered to address critical issues concerning the rights of creators in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI). This initiative is particularly relevant as the European Union’s AI Act is being scrutinized, with creators expressing concerns about potential loss of ownership over their works.
The Importance of Transparency and Consent
During the meeting, held with EU policymakers, Ulvaeus and his fellow creators emphasized the need for transparency, consent, and remuneration in the generative AI market. The underlying fear is that under the current provisions of the AI Act, creators could find their works utilized by AI companies without adequate consent or credit.
“We must never be seduced by the false idea that, in the headlong rush to the new AI world, creators’ interests must be cast aside. That approach won’t work – not for the creative sector, not for the economy, or for culture, or even for the tech sector,” stated Ulvaeus. He articulated a vision where both creators and the tech industry benefit from a well-structured legislative framework that safeguards creators’ rights.
Key Meetings and Initiatives
The agenda for the delegation included several notable events:
- A meeting with European Parliament president Roberta Metsola to discuss urgent concerns regarding potential changes to the AI Act.
- A keynote speech during 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 event at the European Parliament focused on legislative discussions.
Previous Concerns Over AI and Creativity
This gathering is not the first time Ulvaeus has voiced his apprehensions regarding the implications of AI on creative industries. Having embraced emerging technologies throughout his career, he has also expressed caution about the use of AI without proper legislation and attribution to original creators. The call for responsible AI practices resonates particularly well in the face of rapid technological advancements.
Creators’ Ownership and Future of AI
As AI technologies continue to evolve, Ulvaeus and his colleagues remain steadfast in their mission to assert that creators must maintain ownership over their content. They advocate for laws that prevent unauthorized usage of their works by AI systems, emphasizing that the creative outputs generated by AI often stem from copyrighted materials created by humans.
This movement highlights a pivotal moment in the intersection of technology and creativity, calling attention to the necessity for legislative frameworks that protect the rights of those who contribute to the rich tapestry of culture and innovation.
