What is the "Is This What We Want?

" album? The "Is This What We Want?" album is a silent protest album led by former Beatle Paul McCartney and featuring other renowned British artists like Sam Fender and Kate Bush. The album aims to pressure the UK government to safeguard creators' rights from AI companies exploiting their intellectual property.

How is Paul McCartney involved in the "Is This What We Want?

" album? Paul McCartney, one of Britain's greatest living songwriters, has contributed a silent track to the "Is This What We Want?" protest album. The track features tape hiss and indeterminate clattering, symbolizing the potential silencing of original music if AI companies are allowed to exploit creators' work without permission or royalties.

What is the UK government's stance on AI and copyright?

The UK government is currently facing a difficult balancing act between the interests of the country's £125 billion creative industries and the demands of US tech companies for lighter AI regulation. While the government has consulted on allowing an exception to UK copyright law for "text and data mining", it is yet to introduce new legislation, which is not expected to be debated in parliament before 2026.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Legendary Musician Paul McCartney Releases Silent Protest Album Against AI Copyright Theft

Legendary Musician Paul McCartney Releases Silent Protest Album Against AI Copyright Theft

17 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Paul McCartney releases silent track as part of protest album against AI copyright theft
Musicians and artists unite to campaign for UK government to protect creators' rights
Album title "Is This What We Want?" spells out message to government

Legendary Musician Paul McCartney Releases Silent Protest Album Against AI Copyright Theft

As of November 17th, 2025, legendary musician Paul McCartney has taken a stand against the growing threat of AI companies exploiting artists' intellectual property. The 83-year-old has released a silent track as part of a protest album titled "Is This What We Want?", which features other renowned artists like Sam Fender, Kate Bush, and Hans Zimmer.

The album, which will be pressed on vinyl and released later this month, is a powerful statement against the UK government's plans to potentially allow AI firms to use creative content without approval or paying royalties. McCartney, along with a growing coalition of musicians and artists, are campaigning to persuade the government to protect the interests of British creatives over the demands of US tech companies.