Australian country music artist Jeanette Wormald has spoken out after discovering that a former website domain connected to her career had been taken over and transformed into an AI-generated website containing inaccurate information, images and promotional material.
Wormald, a 2007 Golden Guitar finalist, previously operated an official website using a “.com” domain before moving to a “.com.au” address. After allowing the original domain to lapse, she later discovered that the website had been repurposed using artificial intelligence-generated content that appeared to represent her.
The musician said she was shocked to find AI-created images and information about herself appearing on the website. The site included generated artwork, including an AI-created image of a woman in a cowboy hat, along with information collected from publicly available sources.
The website claimed to be a “tribute” page rather than an official site, but Wormald said she was concerned that visitors could be confused by the content and believe it was connected to her professionally.
The AI-generated website also contained links to unrelated health and medical information websites, as well as a US-based company promoting peptide products. Wormald questioned why her identity and music career were being connected to material she had no involvement with.
The musician referred the matter to the Australasian Performing Right Association and Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (APRA AMCOS). The organisation described the unauthorised use of her identity and content as concerning and advised her to explore legal options, including a takedown request through the Arts Law Centre of Australia.
Around the same time, Wormald discovered copyright dispute notifications affecting three videos from her 2014 album Inland Moon on You Tube. She said the claims were later resolved after the third party withdrew the copyright complaints, allowing her to continue receiving income from the videos.
Wormald believes the website issue and the You Tube copyright claims were separate incidents, but she said both events highlighted how vulnerable independent artists can be when dealing with online platforms and artificial intelligence systems.
Experts in intellectual property law say AI-related problems are becoming increasingly common for creators. Louise Buckingham, chief executive of the Arts Law Centre of Australia, said artists need to remain alert about how their work, identity and creative output are used online.
University of New South Wales intellectual property expert Professor Kathy Bowrey described AI scraping and misuse of online information as a growing challenge. She said individual artists often face difficulties taking legal action because of the cost and complexity involved.
The case reflects a wider global debate about artificial intelligence, copyright and ownership of creative works. Artists, writers and musicians around the world have raised concerns about AI systems using creative material without permission, while governments and courts continue to examine how existing copyright laws apply to emerging technologies.
Despite the setback, Wormald said she plans to continue focusing on live performances. She is organising a “reclaim our rights” concert in Kuranda to raise awareness about protecting original music and supporting artists affected by AI-related challenges.
The incident highlights the importance for creators to protect their digital presence, monitor online platforms and understand their rights as artificial intelligence continues to reshape the creative industries.
