An Opportunity to Safeguard the UK’s Creative Industry from AI Threats is Slipping Away | Beavan Kidron

For months, icons from various fields such as music, literature, product design, and visual arts have been sounding the alarm about the UK government’s plans to weaken copyright laws. The conflict escalated when the government started discussions about regulating artificial intelligence, leading to a “favorable” outcome for AI companies. These companies can automatically infringe on copyrights unless the original creators explicitly “opt out.” However, opting out is impossible without transparency in AI operations. This plan is essentially a charter for theft, as creators are left in the dark about who, what, when, and how their work might be exploited.

It’s understandable to be frustrated when the government prioritizes positive outcomes at the expense of your moral rights and earning potential. As Elton John stated last weekend: “The government has no right to interfere with my song. They shouldn’t do it with anyone else’s work either.” He is just one of thousands of British creators raising their voices in protest.

My colleagues and I in the Senate have taken action where the government has faltered, advocating for critical transparency measures in the Data (Usage and Access) Bill, which is currently progressing through Congress. Our amendments aim to uphold existing copyright laws, ensuring that copyright holders are informed about when, where, and by whom their work is used to train AI. The rationale is that if AI companies are required to prove their use of others’ work, they are less likely to infringe on rights in the first place. These amendments received substantial support from members across all parties, including notable backing from the government’s own backbenchers, as I voted in favor.

Ultimately, Secretary of State for Technology Peter Kyle had to face criticism in the House on Thursday. He acknowledged that “much content has already been utilized and is commonly employed by AI models under existing laws from other regions,” while ignoring the Lords’ provisions against such theft. He expressed admiration for artists like Kate Bush—one of over 400 supporters—along with Paul McCartney and Ian McKellen. I signed a letter to the Prime Minister urging policy changes; yet, no substantial changes were made. There remains a lack of transparency, no timeline, and no support for creatives.

This week, the government again missed the opportunity to rectify the situation for one of our largest industries, which employs 2.4 million people and contributes £126 billion to the economy, providing countless joys across the UK. No MPs rallied to defend the government. Instead, Kyle faced a barrage of criticism over his failure to manage the crisis. As one lawmaker put it, “One of our biggest industrial sectors is in flames, while the minister seems to be having a picnic with the arsonists.”

While the government could maneuver its way to passing specific legislation with its majority, such victories would spell disaster for the creative sector and the UK’s domestic AI economy. Ironically, he criticized the government’s approach in favor of major US corporations.

The UK creative industry is a vital part of our heritage, preserving our shared narratives and telling the story of our nation. A country that allows its storytellers to thrive is inherently stronger. Nevertheless, the battle is far from over—the Data (Usage and Access) Bill is scheduled to return to the Lords on June 2nd.