Key Takeaways:
- A campaign to protect artists’ works from being mined to train AI models without consent has received overwhelming support from the public, with 95% of respondents backing strengthened copyright laws.
- The government’s initial proposal to require artists to opt out of having their material used by AI companies was met with widespread criticism and has since been dropped.
- Ministers are under pressure to prioritize the interests of artists and copyright holders over those of US tech companies.
- The issue has sparked a debate about the balance between supporting innovation and protecting creative industries.
- Campaigners are calling for the government to rule out changing copyright law to benefit AI companies and to require licensing agreements for the use of copyrighted works.
Introduction to the Campaign
The campaign to protect artists’ works from being mined to train AI models without consent has gained significant momentum, with a government consultation revealing that 95% of respondents support strengthened copyright laws. The consultation, which received over 10,000 responses, showed that the vast majority of people believe that copyright should be strengthened and that licensing agreements should be required for the use of copyrighted works. This outcome is a significant blow to the government’s initial proposal, which would have required artists to opt out of having their material used by AI companies.
Government Response to the Consultation
The government’s initial proposal was met with widespread criticism, and ministers have since dropped their preference for this option. The secretary of state for science, innovation and technology, Liz Kendall, has stated that there is "no clear consensus" on the issue and that the government will "take the time to get this right." However, campaigners argue that the consultation response sets a clear course for the government to take, and that Kendall should listen to the people and rule out changing copyright law to benefit AI companies. The government has promised to make policy proposals by 18 March 2026, and campaigners are urging ministers to prioritize the interests of artists and copyright holders.
The Debate Over Copyright and AI
The issue of copyright and AI has sparked a heated debate about the balance between supporting innovation and protecting creative industries. While some argue that AI companies should be allowed to use copyrighted works without permission in order to drive innovation, others believe that this would be a significant infringement on artists’ rights. The US president, Donald Trump, has weighed in on the issue, stating that AI companies should be allowed to use copyrighted works without going through the complexity of contract negotiations. However, campaigners argue that this would be a disaster for artists and would undermine the creative industries.
Campaigners’ Demands
Campaigners, including popstars such as Elton John and Dua Lipa, are calling for the government to rule out changing copyright law to benefit AI companies. They argue that AI companies should pay for the resources they use, and that the government should prioritize the interests of artists and copyright holders. The chief executive of the New Media Association, Owen Meredith, has urged Kendall to rule out any new copyright exception and end the uncertainty created by the prolonged process. This, he argues, would send a clear message to AI developers that they must enter into licensing agreements with the UK’s media and creative copyright owners.
The Economic Importance of Creative Industries
The creative industries make a significant contribution to the UK economy, and campaigners argue that the government should prioritize their interests. The secretary of state for science, innovation and technology, Liz Kendall, has acknowledged the importance of the creative industries, stating that they "make a huge economic contribution, shape our national identity and give us a unique position on the world stage." However, campaigners argue that the government must do more to support the creative industries and protect their rights. The consultation response shows that the public is firmly behind the campaign to protect artists’ works, and ministers must now take action to address the issue.
Conclusion
The campaign to protect artists’ works from being mined to train AI models without consent has received overwhelming support from the public. The government’s initial proposal has been dropped, and ministers are under pressure to prioritize the interests of artists and copyright holders. The issue has sparked a debate about the balance between supporting innovation and protecting creative industries, and campaigners are calling for the government to rule out changing copyright law to benefit AI companies. As the government considers its next move, it is clear that the public is firmly behind the campaign to protect artists’ rights, and ministers must take action to address the issue.
