Warning from ThinkTank: UK must ease AI regulations or face strain on transatlantic relations

According to Tony Blair’s ThinkTank, the UK should consider relaxing copyright laws to allow artificial intelligence companies to create innovative products.

The Tony Blair Institute, with ties to the US, is set to introduce copyright measures that could lead to tariffs on UK goods. Despite geopolitical concerns, TBI states that caution is necessary.

The ThinkTank warns that requiring licenses for UK content used in AI models may drive development to regions with less stringent copyright laws. Implementing strict licensing models could also involve restricting access to models trained with such content, including US-owned AI systems.

In a newly released report, TBI expresses support for the government’s proposal to allow AI companies to train models with copyrighted materials, unless creatives choose to opt out. TBI suggests that overly strict AI regulations, as suggested by the Trump administration, could hinder economic and national security interests in the AI race.

The report emphasizes the need for collaboration between rights holders, policymakers, and AI developers to balance creativity and innovation in the AI space.

A more stringent copyright approach than that of the EU, Singapore, or Japan could drive AI developers away from the UK, according to TBI.

The report also advocates for the establishment of an AI and creative industries center to foster collaboration between technology and creative sectors.

Beeban Kidron, a vocal opponent of the government’s AI proposal, criticizes the notion that the UK should become an AI hub for Silicon Valley, calling it a bleak vision for Britain.

Kidron raises concerns about potential conflict of interest due to TBI receiving donations from US tech billionaire Larry Ellison. TBI asserts its intellectual independence over policy work despite the funding.