Kate Mosse and Richard Osman have criticized Labor’s proposal to grant wide-ranging freedom to artificial intelligence companies to data mine artwork, warning that it could stifle growth in the creative sector and amount to theft.

Best-selling authors have joined Keir Starmer in opposing the national initiative to establish Britain as an “AI superpower,” endorsing a 50-point action plan that includes changes to how technology companies utilize copyrighted content and data for training models.

There is ongoing debate among ministers regarding whether to permit major technology companies to gather substantial amounts of books, music, and other creative works unless copyright owners actively opt out.

This move is aimed at accelerating growth for AI companies in the UK, as training AI models necessitates substantial amounts of data. Technology companies argue that existing copyright laws create uncertainty and pose a risk to development speed.

However, creators advocate for AI companies to pay for the use of their work, expressing disappointment when the Prime Minister endorsed the proposal. The EU is also pushing for a similar system requiring copyright holders to opt out of data mining processes.

The AI Creative Rights Alliance, comprising various trade bodies, criticized Starmer’s stance as “deeply troubling” and called for the preservation of the current copyright system. They urged ministers to consider their concerns.

Renowned artists like Paul McCartney, Kate Bush, Stephen Fry, and Hugh Bonneville have raised concerns about AI potentially threatening their livelihoods. A petition warns against the unauthorized use of creative works for AI training.

Mosse emphasized the importance of using AI responsibly without compromising the creative industries’ growth potential, while Osman stressed the necessity of seeking permission and paying fees for using copyrighted works to prevent theft.

The government’s AI action plan, formulated by venture capitalist Matt Clifford, calls for reforming the UK’s text and data mining regulations to align with the EU’s standards, highlighting the need for competitive policies.

The government’s response to the action plan emphasizes the goal of creating a competitive copyright regime supportive of both the AI sector and creative industries. Starmer expressed his support for the recommendations.

Various industry representatives, including Joe Twist from the British Recording Industry, advocate for a balanced approach that fosters growth in both the creative and AI sectors without undermining Britain’s creative prowess.

Critics argue that AI companies should not be allowed to exploit creative works for profit without permission or compensation. The ongoing consultation on copyright policies aims to establish a framework benefiting both sectors.