The UK government has scrapped its support for plans to allow AI models to be trained using copyrighted creative material, such as music, without compensating artists.
The government’s support for the idea was retracted in response to widespread backlash from figures from across different creative industries, with technology secretary Liz Kendall confirming the government’s U-turn yesterday (18 March).
“We have listened, we have engaged extensively with creatives, AI firms, industry bodies, unions, academics and AI adopters, and that engagement has shaped our approach,” Kendall said this week. “This is why we can confirm today that the government no longer has a preferred option [on copyright reform].”
She added: “We are not the only government facing this challenge. The United States, European Union, Australia, India, and many other governments are trying to find a way through. As the recent Lords Communications and Digital Committee report on AI, copyright and the creative industries recognised, it will take time to get this right. We will do so in a way that is in line with our own interests and values.”
Elton John, Thom Yorke, ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus and Dua Lipa were among the artists who had voiced their opposition to the plans, with many people from across the creative industries signing a statement in opposition to using copyrighted creative material for AI training.
Responding to the government’s U-turn, UK Music said it was “delighted”, but also urged the government to rule out the proposal altogether as the door still remains open to the idea being revisited in the future.
If the plans had been passed, the companies behind AI models would have been given the go-ahead to use licensed creative works to train their platforms, although copyright holders would have been offered the chance to opt-out.
You can read Kendall’s full statement on the matter here.
Last year, musician Max Richter spoke to UK MPs in two select committees to argue against the proposals.
