By Dan Milmo
Publication Date: 2026-01-22 14:04:00
Scarlett Johansson, Cate Blanchett, REM and Jodi Picoult are among hundreds of Hollywood stars, musicians and authors backing a new campaign accusing AI companies of “stealing” their work.
The “Stealing Isn’t Innovation” campaign started on Thursday with the support of around 800 creative professionals and bands. The campaign includes a statement accusing tech companies of using the work of American creators to “build AI platforms without permission or respect for copyright law.”
It continues: “Artists, writers and creators of all kinds are uniting with one simple message: Stealing our work is not innovation. It is not progress. It is theft – plain and simple.”
The statement encourages AI companies to enter into licensing agreements and partnerships with the creative industries and recognizes companies that have taken this path. OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, has signed deals with content owners including Disney and the Guardian, while Warner Music Group has…
