Politicians take advantage
Artists illegally campaigning - again

Politicians and others are not free to use music in political campaigns, but must be authorised by the copyright holder. This is a very basic protection in the law, which is about artists being able to choose which values, opinions, people and parties they want to be associated with.

Even though the legislation in this area is clear, it happens again and again that artists are used in political contexts they don't want to be associated with.

This behaviour can have consequences, both financially in terms of loss of income or job opportunities, but illegal exploitation also strains the integrity and credibility of artists, with far-reaching consequences.

This is happening during the current election campaign, even though Politiken quantified the extent in 2023 and the union has criticised it several times.

Artists are taken hostage

Birthe Kjær's iconic song ”We paint the city red” has been used by several Social Democrats - including Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen (S) - on social media. Birthe Kjær has not given her permission, she wasn't even asked.

The band Suspekt was not asked for permission before the Danish Democrats used a t-shirt labelled “Voted for her yesterday” in their marketing. A t-shirt that in text and design is very similar to Suspekt's own legendary t-shirt and song, according to the band on Instagram.

Birthe Kjær contacted the Danish Artist Association and then the party. She is very surprised by the lack of knowledge about copyright and the use of music:

”I'm really shocked that there are people in Parliament who don't know the rules. Anyone can use the phrase ”painting the town red”, but they have no right to use our song to promote their own cause,” she says.

Suspekt calls it abuse and criticises the political parties for lacking respect for Danish artists.

”We strongly condemn politicians taking artists hostage to make it appear as if we share the same political beliefs,” Suspekt says.

Offences can lead to losses

Sara Indrio, head of the Danish Artist Association, supports the criticism, most recently in Go’ Aften Danmark on TV2.

”Politicians who use artists” work for their own purposes are, so to speak, forcing artists onto a political stage that they did not ask to appear on. The great value the artist creates is attractive, but it must not be abused and the rights must not be violated. It is against their better judgement, but even that is problematic, because they should be the first to know the law."

The problem is not new

In 2023, MPs broke copyright law over a thousand times on social media. Politiken mapped that as many as 126 MPs - or two out of three politicians - broke copyright law on social media in 2023.

For example, they have used background music in political video campaigns without the consent of the owners.

Politicians should take the lead and ensure credibility

Sara Indrio also emphasises that it is particularly important for politicians to be aware of this issue on the eve of a new AI reality, which they themselves may well become victims of.

”We need a free and democratic debate where citizens know what politicians stand for. With AI, politicians” positions and rights can be abused, just like artists are now. We must protect credibility and the rights of the individual. Regardless of what the message may be. And politicians should be at the forefront of this."

Get help to stop rights abuse

Contact Dansk Artist Forbund if you experience abuse or infringement of your rights. The organisation's lawyers can help stop illegal use and assist artists and music creators in any claims for compensation.