Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the way businesses operate—from marketing automation to customer service, from content creation to financial analysis. But as AI technology accelerates, so too does the debate about how it should be regulated, particularly when it comes to copyright. For small and medium businesses in Australia, this evolving landscape carries significant implications.

Why copyright matters in the AI era

AI systems rely on enormous amounts of data—much of it written, visual, or audio content produced by humans—to train the models that underpin chatbots, content generators, and other applications. The big question is: when AI uses copyrighted content to “learn,” does it infringe on the rights of the original creator?

Until now, Australia has relied on existing copyright laws to cover AI use, but the government has flagged a new round of reviews to assess whether dedicated AI legislation is needed. Industry groups are divided—some argue that new laws could stifle innovation, while others believe they are essential to protect creators and maintain trust.

A breakthrough on compensation

Recently, a framework for AI and copyright was agreed upon between major tech companies and unions representing content creators. The agreement ensures that creators will be compensated when their works are used to train AI systems. For SMEs, this could mean that AI platforms they use may start embedding licensing fees into their services.

This is a positive step toward balancing innovation with fairness. It also signals that businesses will need to stay alert to evolving licensing requirements if they rely on AI-generated content for marketing or other activities.

Public sentiment and regulation

Polls show strong public support for tighter AI regulation, even if it slows technological progress. This sentiment suggests that future laws may be more restrictive than the current framework. Businesses using AI for customer engagement, product descriptions, or social media should watch these developments carefully.

What SMEs should do now

While the regulatory picture evolves, SMEs can take several proactive steps:

• Review AI usage: Map out where and how AI tools are used in your business.

• Check licensing terms: Ensure any AI platform you use clearly states how it sources training data.

• Stay informed: Follow updates from government and industry bodies on AI regulation.

• Be transparent: If you use AI-generated content, consider disclaimers or quality checks to maintain credibility.

AI offers incredible productivity gains, but SMEs cannot afford to ignore the legal and ethical implications. By taking early action, businesses can avoid costly surprises while embracing the benefits AI provides.

EXCITING NEWS

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Keep your eyes on our website for more details in the coming months about final dates, venue and registration options.

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Reference:
Australian Government AI Regulation Review (2025)