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One of those signing the letter said big tech is "scooping up creativity on a massive scale" to "build something without any soul that will rob us."
Renowned artistic figures, such as children's author and poet Michael Rosen, The Gruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffler, and novelist Mark Haddon, have signed a letter expressing concern that British creative output is under threat from the government's plans to permit Big Tech companies to disregard traditional copyright laws when training their AI systems.
Creative organizations, including those in the music industry and publishing, would have to opt out if they do not want their work to be exploited by these firms.
The letter, published in The Observer, urges the Government to preserve a robust copyright system that safeguards the economic well-being of creators.
The text suggests that subordinating the creative industries to the desires of large technology companies would neither promote growth nor stimulate innovation.
The letter stated that there was a risk of witnessing our industries lose the energy generated from their roots. It cautioned against the dangers of an unsustainable and reckless approach, which it termed "slash and burn".
It's a terrible idea to replace your child's artwork with a computer-generated version and then stick it on the fridge.
He added: "Why are we gathering creativity on a massive scale to create something without any heart that will not only take away our income, but maybe eventually our ability to think creatively?"
‘The notion that all this effort and perseverance and nurturing skills was ultimately just to benefit tech billionaires further enrich themselves, leaves me feeling queasy, infuriated and despondent.’
Those who signed the statement were left 'staring in amazement' at the government's apparent rush to 'wrap our life's work in attractive packaging as a gift to automated competitors'.
Concerns have been expressed about the potential impact on music that the copyright changes could have.
The government's AI plans would make the UK a "data-mining paradise" for these tech companies, the letter stated. It noted, "The livelihoods of workers will become their profit."
The signatories are "demanding transparency" and a "strong copyright regime".
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