Global: UK Seeks Feedback on AI Use of Copyrighted Material in Training

The United Kingdom government has initiated a consultation with artificial intelligence (AI) and creative industry stakeholders to explore potential legal frameworks for the use of copyrighted materials in training AI models.

Policy Proposals Under Consideration

Outlined in a December 17 announcement, the consultation invites feedback on four policy options aimed at addressing how copyright law applies to AI training. Stakeholders have until February 25, 2025, to provide input.

Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, highlighted the urgency of reform, stating that the current copyright framework hinders both the AI and creative industries from achieving global competitiveness.

“It’s clear that our current AI and copyright framework does not support either our creative industries or our AI sectors to compete on the global stage,” Kyle remarked.

Proposed Policy Options

1. Unrestricted Use: Allowing AI firms to use copyrighted material without the need for rights holders’ permission, enabling commercial use with minimal restrictions.
2. Opt-Out System: Granting AI companies default rights to use copyrighted works unless creators explicitly opt out.
3. Strengthened Copyright Protections: Requiring companies to obtain licenses and express permission for all copyrighted materials used in AI training.
4. Status Quo: Maintaining the existing legal framework, despite its ambiguity for copyright holders and AI developers.

The consultation recognizes the growing tension between AI innovation and intellectual property rights, as AI companies have faced accusations of unlawfully utilizing copyrighted materials for training purposes.

Backlash from Creative Stakeholders

The proposed changes have drawn sharp criticism from creative professionals and organizations, who argue that some options favor AI companies at the expense of creators.

Ed Newton-Rex, British composer and CEO of Fairly Trained, a nonprofit certifying AI companies that license their training data, warned of “huge, irreversible harm to creators.”

“A copyright exception would make it legal to train on copyrighted work without a license, where it’s currently illegal,” Newton-Rex stated, calling the proposals misleading.

Similarly, Owen Meredith, CEO of the News Media Association, criticized the consultation for neglecting enforcement and transparency.

“At present, there is no lack of clarity in the law, but these proposals will only muddy the water and allow GAI firms to shirk their responsibilities,” Meredith argued.

Meredith emphasized the need for robust transparency requirements within the existing copyright framework rather than introducing “unworkable systems” like opt-out regimes.

A Critical Moment for AI and Copyright Law

As the UK seeks to strike a balance between fostering AI innovation and protecting creators’ rights, the outcome of this consultation could set a precedent for global copyright policies in the age of AI. Industry stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the government navigates this complex issue.