On November 17, local time, it was reported that music legend and former Beatles member Paul McCartney will release a silent track next month as part of a silent album, protesting proposed amendments to UK copyright laws. Renowned artists such as Hans Zimmer and Kate Bush have joined the initiative, highlighting the potential risks AI poses to the creative industry.

The project organizers stated in a declaration that McCartney’s contribution to the album *Is This What We Want?* aims to raise awareness about how the government’s controversial proposal could severely impact artists' livelihoods. The track, titled *Bonus Track*, runs for 2 minutes and 45 seconds and features continuous clicking sounds recorded in an empty studio. Over 1,000 artists, including Annie Lennox, Damon Albarn, and Jamiroquai, participated in the silent album.

The artists argue that the proposed changes would make it easier for AI companies to train models using copyrighted works without permission. The organizers criticized the amendments, stating they would alter UK copyright laws to benefit global tech giants, allowing AI firms to exploit artists' work without authorization or compensation. They also noted that the proposal would require artists to actively "opt out" of having their work used, undermining fundamental copyright principles.

In May, around 400 writers and musicians, including Elton John and Kate Bush, signed an open letter to *The Times*, condemning the proposals as a "total surrender" to Silicon Valley. Signatories also included Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, Sting, and authors Kazuo Ishiguro, Michael Morpurgo, and Helen Fielding.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stated that the government must strike a balance between copyright and AI while acknowledging AI’s significant opportunities. Elton John previously told the BBC in May, "They have no right to sell us out," urging Starmer to "face reality and return to reason."

A recent UK Music study revealed that two-thirds of artists and producers fear AI threatens their careers. Over 90% of respondents demanded protections for their image and voice, calling for AI companies to pay creators for using their work.