Sun May 18 17:09:34 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a rewrite as a news article from the perspective of “The Hindu,” an Indian newspaper:

**Summary:**

British pop legend Elton John has publicly condemned the UK government’s proposed copyright law changes, calling them “absolute losers” and accusing them of “theft” that will rob young artists of their income. The changes, part of the Data (Use and Access) Bill, would allow tech companies to use creators’ content freely unless rights holders opt out. John argues that young artists lack the resources to fight large tech companies. He, along with over 1,000 musicians and writers, has previously protested the changes, fearing they will legalize music theft and amount to a “wholesale giveaway to Silicon Valley.” The government claims the bill will boost the economy, but John and others argue it will harm artists.

**News Article (The Hindu):**

**Elton John Slams UK Government’s Copyright Overhaul: ‘Theft on a High Scale’**

**London, May 18, 2025 (PTI)** – British music icon Elton John has launched a scathing attack on the UK government’s proposed changes to copyright law, branding them “absolute losers” and accusing them of enabling “theft” at the expense of artists. The controversial Data (Use and Access) Bill, currently under parliamentary review, seeks to grant tech companies broad exemptions, allowing them to use copyrighted material unless rights holders actively opt-out.

In a fiery interview with the BBC, the “Rocket Man” singer, a global music phenomenon with over 300 million records sold, expressed deep betrayal and warned the changes would disproportionately harm young artists lacking the financial resources to challenge powerful tech corporations.

“If the government’s planned changes to copyright laws went ahead they would be committing theft, thievery on a high scale,” John stated, directly criticizing Technology Secretary Peter Kyle.

The proposed legislation has sparked widespread outrage within the creative community. Earlier this year, over 1,000 musicians, including Kate Bush, Annie Lennox, and Damon Albarn, staged a silent protest against the bill. Mr. John joined Paul McCartney, Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, Sting and a host of renowned writers, including Kazuo Ishiguro, in an open letter condemning the proposals as a “wholesale giveaway to Silicon Valley.”

The government defends the bill, arguing it will unlock the secure use of data and boost the economy by an estimated £10 billion over the next decade. A spokesperson for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology emphasized the bill’s focus on the “public interest.”

However, critics like John see it as a direct threat to artistic livelihoods and intellectual property rights. He urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to “wise up and see sense,” warning against “selling us down the river.”

The outcome of the Data (Use and Access) Bill remains uncertain, but the passionate opposition from influential figures like Elton John underscores the deep divisions surrounding the future of copyright in the digital age. The debate highlights a critical question for policymakers worldwide: how to balance innovation and technological advancement with the protection of creators’ rights and the sustainability of the creative industries. This issue resonates particularly strongly in India, where balancing the rights of creators in the booming tech sector remains a key challenge.

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