Over 1,000 musicians have released a silent album, Is This What We Want?, in protest against UK copyright law changes that would allow AI companies to use copyrighted material without creators’ permission.

A Symbolic Protest

The album, comprising 12 tracks of ambient studio sounds, symbolises the artists’ concerns about the potential erosion of their rights and livelihoods in the face of advancing AI technologies.

Released on 25 February 2025, Is This What We Want? features contributions from a diverse array of artists, including luminaries such as Kate Bush, Damon Albarn, Annie Lennox, and Hans Zimmer. The album’s tracks are recordings of empty studios and performance spaces, capturing subtle ambient noises but devoid of musical content. The deliberate absence of music is designed to be a representation of the artists’ fears that their creative voices may be silenced if the proposed copyright reforms are enacted.

Also, the track titles on the ‘silent’ album collectively spell out the message: “The British Government Must Not Legalise Music Theft To Benefit AI Companies.” This is intended to highlight the unified stance of the artists against the legislative changes they believe could undermine their control over their own work.

Proposed Copyright Reforms

The impetus for this silent protest stems from the UK government’s proposal to amend copyright laws to facilitate AI development. For example, the suggested changes would allow AI companies to use copyrighted material for training models without obtaining prior consent from creators, provided the content is lawfully accessible. Creators would have the option to “opt out,” but many argue that this system places an unreasonable burden on individual artists to protect their work.

Exploitation?

Critics contend that such reforms to copyright laws could lead to widespread exploitation of creative content, effectively enabling AI firms to appropriate artists’ work without fair compensation. This concern is particularly acute in the music industry, where AI technologies are increasingly capable of generating compositions that closely mimic human-created music.

A United Front of Artists

The protest album brings together a coalition of well-known artists from various genres and backgrounds. In addition to the aforementioned contributors, the project also includes co-writing credits from hundreds more, such as Billy Ocean, The Clash, Mystery Jets, Yusuf / Cat Stevens, Riz Ahmed, Tori Amos, and Imogen Heap. This extensive participation reflects a broad consensus within the creative community about the potential threats posed by the proposed copyright changes.

Composer Max Richter, known for his contemporary classical works, has been quoted as saying that the plans not only impact musicians but also “impoverish creators” across the board, from writers to visual artists and beyond. This sentiment may resonate with many who fear that the reforms could set a precedent affecting all creative industries.

The Timing of the Release

The album’s release coincided with the closing of a public consultation on the proposed legal changes, aiming to draw attention to the potential impact on livelihoods and the UK music industry. By launching the album at this critical juncture, the artists sought to influence public opinion and encourage policymakers to reconsider the ramifications of the proposed reforms.

Reception and Impact

The silent album has garnered significant media attention and sparked public discourse on the intersection of AI and intellectual property rights. While some have praised the initiative as a powerful statement against the commodification of creative works, others question its efficacy in effecting legislative change.

All Profits To Charity

Financially, the album is directing all profits to the charity ‘Help Musicians’, supporting artists who may be adversely affected by the evolving landscape of the music industry. This charitable aspect adds a layer of altruism to the protest, highlighting the community’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of its members.

Future Implications for Artists and the Music Industry

The protest movement and album raise critical questions about the future relationship between AI technologies and creative industries. The artists hope that their collective action will prompt the government to implement more robust protections for creators, ensuring that they retain control over how their work is used in AI training.

However, the feasibility of such protections remains uncertain. For example, the vast scale of data required to train AI models makes it challenging to monitor and control the use of individual works. Also, the global nature of the internet means that content accessible in one jurisdiction can be utilised elsewhere, complicating enforcement efforts.

All this means that artists may need to explore alternative strategies to protect their interests, such as developing new licensing frameworks that accommodate AI’s unique requirements or leveraging technology to track and manage the use of their work. Collaboration between creators, policymakers, and tech companies is also likely to be essential to establish fair and effective solutions.

Engage With the Creative Community

The controversy surrounding the proposed copyright reforms highlights the need for a balanced approach that considers the interests of all stakeholders. While fostering AI innovation is crucial for economic growth and technological advancement, it should not come at the expense of creators’ rights and livelihoods.

For large tech companies, the debate highlights the importance of engaging with the creative community to develop ethical practices that respect intellectual property. Failure to do so could lead to reputational damage and potential legal challenges.

Policymakers face the complex task of crafting legislation that supports technological progress while safeguarding the rights of creators. This requires nuanced understanding and collaboration across sectors to ensure that the benefits of AI are realised without undermining the foundations of creative industries.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

The silent protest led by musicians highlights the deep concerns within the creative community about the potential consequences of AI-driven copyright reforms. It seems that their fears are not unfounded since AI has already demonstrated its ability to replicate and remix artistic works with increasing sophistication, thereby raising urgent questions about ownership, consent, and fair compensation. The proposed changes to UK copyright law, which would allow AI firms to use creative material without prior permission, actually represent a seismic shift in how intellectual property is protected.

At the heart of this debate lies the challenge of balancing technological progress with the rights of those who create the content AI systems rely on. Advocates for reform argue that relaxing copyright restrictions will accelerate innovation and unlock new possibilities in music and the arts. However, for many artists, this approach risks devaluing human creativity and diminishing their ability to control how their work is used. The ‘opt-out’ model, while positioned as a safeguard, places the burden on individuals rather than the companies seeking to benefit from their labour.

The collective action taken by musicians through Is This What We Want? has already been a success in terms of drawing public and media attention to the issue, demonstrating the strength of opposition to the proposed changes. While it remains to be seen whether this protest will actually influence policy decisions, it has undoubtedly reinforced the argument that AI should not be granted unrestricted access to creative works without proper safeguards.

With AI pretty much being a genie that’s out of the bottle and racing ahead of regulation, many believe that a truly constructive path forward will require cooperation between artists, policymakers, and technology companies to establish fair regulations that protect creative industries while allowing AI to develop in an ethical and sustainable manner. Licensing frameworks, transparency in data usage, and technological solutions for tracking content could all form part of a more equitable system. If AI is to be integrated into the creative world, it must be done in a way that respects the fundamental rights of those who give it the material to learn from.

Munich-based startup Bliro has developed a new AI-powered tool that transcribes conversations in real time while ensuring privacy and compliance.

No Recordings or Video

The tool is designed for businesses that require accurate meeting notes while maintaining strict privacy and compliance standards, such as GDPR. For example, the AI assistant extracts key details from conversations (whether in person or virtual) and automatically generates structured summaries and follow-up tasks.

Unlike services such as Otter and Fireflies, Bliro does not store any recordings, thereby eliminating the risk of sensitive information being compromised.

No Consent Required

By removing audio and video storage from the process, Bliro minimises privacy concerns and simplifies compliance requirements, thereby allowing businesses to use the tool without requiring explicit consent from meeting participants.

Also, all processed data is encrypted and stored on servers in Frankfurt, ensuring that no third parties, including Bliro employees, have access without user permission.

Useful for Customer-Facing Work

The AI tool is particularly suited for customer-facing teams, automating manual tasks such as meeting notes, follow-ups, and CRM updates. Bliro also provides AI coaching features, offering insights that help businesses improve sales performance and decision-making based on conversation data.

Integrates with Popular Platforms

Supporting 15 languages, the platform integrates seamlessly with tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Salesforce, and HubSpot.

Funding

Backed by €2.8 million in funding, Bliro has already gained traction, with over 1,000 companies (including major German brands) adopting the platform. With its privacy-first approach and automation capabilities, Bliro positions itself as a valuable alternative to traditional transcription services for security-conscious businesses.

What Does This Mean for Your Business?

Bliro’s AI note-taking tool could be of real help to businesses that want to save time and effort with transcription and meeting documentation. Also, by eliminating the need for audio or video storage, it directly addresses privacy and compliance concerns, making it particularly attractive to companies operating in highly regulated industries. Its ability to generate structured meeting summaries and action points without requiring explicit consent removes a common barrier to AI-powered transcription, streamlining processes without compromising security.

For businesses, Bliro’s approach could mean improved efficiency and peace of mind. For example, automating meeting notes and CRM updates can free up valuable time, allowing teams to focus on higher-value tasks while ensuring that key insights are captured accurately. The integration with widely used platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Salesforce looks set to further enhance its usability, making it easy to incorporate into existing workflows. Also, its AI-driven coaching features could provide businesses with a competitive edge, offering strategic insights based on conversation analysis.

However, while Bliro’s privacy-first model presents an advantage, it may not suit every organisation. For example, some businesses may still prefer solutions that offer full recordings for future reference, particularly in cases where verbatim transcripts are required for legal or training purposes. Also, competitors (such as Otter and Fireflies) which provide comprehensive recording and transcription services, may continue to appeal to companies that prioritise detailed archival over privacy concerns.

For Bliro’s rivals, the emergence of this privacy-centric tool highlights the growing demand for secure, compliance-friendly AI solutions. While established transcription services may offer greater flexibility in terms of storage and retrieval, they may now face increasing pressure to enhance their privacy protections or provide alternative solutions for businesses with stringent security requirements.

Bliro’s AI-powered note-taking tool, therefore, could be highlighting a growing shift in the market, where automation and security are no longer seen as competing priorities but as complementary needs. As more businesses look to harness AI while safeguarding sensitive information, Bliro’s model could set a new standard i.e., one that challenges competitors to rethink their approach and pushes the industry towards a more privacy-conscious future.

A new report has revealed that 89 per cent of enterprise Generative AI (GenAI) usage happens without IT oversight, thereby exposing organisations to data leaks and unauthorised access.

Many employees use GenAI tools through personal accounts, making security enforcement nearly impossible.

The Enterprise GenAI Data Security Report 2025 by LayerX highlights that while GenAI adoption is growing, most usage remains invisible. The report highlights how nearly 72 per cent of employees access these tools outside corporate controls, and only 12 per cent of corporate users authenticate via Single Sign-On (SSO).

The main concern with these findings is data exposure. For example, employees frequently paste sensitive business information, customer data, and proprietary code into GenAI tools, with an average of four pastes per day. Without security measures, organisations risk losing control over critical data.

To mitigate these risks, businesses should implement browser-based security solutions that provide visibility, integrate Data Loss Prevention (DLP) measures, and enforce authentication policies. Without action, GenAI is likely to continue as a growing security blind spot.

German startup Proxima Fusion has revealed a new fusion reactor design, ‘Stellaris’, which it claims is the fastest route to commercially viable fusion power.

What Is Fusion Energy?

Nuclear fusion, the reaction that powers the sun, occurs when two atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing vast amounts of energy. Unlike nuclear fission (the process currently used in our nuclear power stations) which splits atoms and produces long-lived radioactive waste, fusion generates minimal radiation, no carbon emissions, and uses abundant fuel sources like hydrogen isotopes. Scientists have pursued fusion energy for decades due to its potential to provide safe, sustainable, and virtually limitless power.

Who Is Proxima Fusion?

Proxima Fusion, founded in 2023, is the first spin-out from the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP) in Germany. The company has assembled a team of engineers from MIT, Google, SpaceX, and McLaren, all dedicated to overcoming the long-standing technical barriers of fusion power. Their goal is to develop the world’s first commercial fusion power plant, using an innovative stellarator design that builds on decades of plasma physics research.

What Makes the Stellaris Reactor Different?

The new reactor from Proxima Fusion, dubbed ‘Stellaris’, is a quasi-isodynamic (QI) stellarator that utilises high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets to create twisted magnetic fields capable of confining hot plasma, a critical step for achieving fusion. Unlike the more widely used tokamak design (such as the one being developed by the ITER project in France), stellarators are inherently stable and can operate continuously. While traditional stellarators have been extremely complex to design and build, advances in AI and computational modelling have allowed Proxima to optimise its approach, making the construction process faster and more cost-effective.

The concept is based on the Wendelstein 7-X, the world’s most advanced stellarator experiment, built at IPP. While Wendelstein 7-X was designed purely for research, Stellaris is engineered to deliver electricity to the grid. Proxima’s first demonstrator, called Alpha, aims to prove net energy production is possible in a steady state and is expected to be completed within six years.

Why This Could Be a Game-Changer

Stellarators have long been overlooked in favour of tokamaks, primarily due to their complexity. However, Proxima Fusion’s approach leverages modern computing power to refine their design, solving problems that were previously insurmountable. AI-driven optimisation allows the company to create reactors that generate more power per unit volume, reduce operational costs, and minimise reliance on scarce materials.

According to Proxima Fusion CEO Francesco Sciortino, “Stellaris is designed to operate in continuous mode and be intrinsically stable. No other fusion power plant design has yet been demonstrated to be capable of that.”

The use of HTS magnets is another key breakthrough. These allow for much stronger magnetic fields than conventional superconductors, meaning the reactor can be significantly smaller and built faster while still achieving the necessary conditions for fusion. Also, Stellaris only relies on materials that are already available in today’s supply chains, making its construction more feasible than previous designs.

The Road to Commercial Fusion

Proxima Fusion has set an ambitious timeline, with the construction of Alpha planned for completion by 2031. If all goes to plan, Stellaris will be the first stellarator to demonstrate sustained net energy production, a milestone never before achieved in fusion research. If successful, the company aims to develop a full-scale 1GW fusion power plant in the 2030s, potentially providing clean, continuous energy to the grid.

Investment

The company’s approach has already attracted significant investment, securing €20 million in funding to accelerate development.

How It Could Change The Energy Sector

If Stellaris lives up to its promise, it could reshape the energy market. Fusion power offers a carbon-free alternative to fossil fuels without the intermittency of renewables like wind and solar. For businesses, this could mean access to a reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable energy source, reducing dependence on volatile energy markets and fossil fuel imports.

From an environmental perspective, widespread adoption of fusion power would mark a major step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change. As global energy demand continues to rise, scalable fusion technology could be the key to long-term energy security.

The Challenges Ahead

Despite all the excitement surrounding Stellaris, it’s worth noting that significant hurdles remain. For example, building a real, commercial fusion reactor requires overcoming immense engineering challenges, including handling the extreme temperatures of the plasma and maintaining precise control of the magnetic fields. Also, while stellarators are more stable than tokamaks, they remain complex machines that require further refinement before they can be deployed at scale.

The Model Coil Next Step

It’s understood that Proxima Fusion’s next step is the development of its Stellarator Model Coil (SMC) by 2027, which will validate the HTS magnet technology before Alpha’s construction begins. If these milestones are achieved, Stellaris could mark the beginning of a new era in clean energy, bringing fusion power out of the laboratory and into the real world.

What Does This Mean For Your Organisation?

The development of the Stellaris reactor could be the next (sooner than expected) step towards the long-sought goal of commercially viable fusion energy. Proxima Fusion’s innovative stellarator design, enabled by modern computational power and high-temperature superconducting magnets, offers a promising alternative to the dominant tokamak approach. By overcoming traditional limitations associated with stellarators, such as complexity and construction feasibility, the company has positioned itself at the forefront of the fusion race.

However, while the technological advances underpinning Stellaris are impressive, the path to commercial deployment remains fraught with challenges. The physics of sustaining controlled fusion at an energy-positive level is well understood, but engineering a reactor that can reliably operate over long periods while remaining economically viable is another matter entirely. The development of the Stellarator Model Coil by 2027 will be a crucial test of Proxima Fusion’s approach, and its success will determine whether the company can proceed with constructing its Alpha prototype as planned.

If Proxima Fusion succeeds in delivering on its ambitious timeline, Stellaris could be a transformative force in the energy sector. A working fusion reactor that can continuously produce clean energy would mark a monumental shift away from fossil fuels and intermittent renewables, offering a sustainable solution to the world’s growing energy needs. However, the history of fusion research is already littered with promising breakthroughs that have struggled to translate into commercial reality. While Proxima Fusion’s advancements are significant, it remains to be seen whether they will be sufficient to surmount the remaining engineering and financial obstacles.

Stellaris, therefore, appears to embody both the potential and the uncertainty of fusion power. For example, if successful, it could usher in a new era of limitless, carbon-free energy. However, like all fusion endeavours, it must first prove that it can move beyond the laboratory and into the real world, which is a major challenge that has eluded every fusion project to date.

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