Anti Copying in Design (ACID) Chair & Co-founder, Dids Macdonald OBE., joined a fantastic and committed group from publishing, music, design, authors, artists, film making, et al from the Creative Industries ahead of today’s Report Stage of the Data (and Users) Bill in the House of Commons. All united in saying “NO” to unauthorised use of data for training.

This chimes with the News Media Association, Make it Fair campaign, which has captured the imagination and commitment of so many within the Creative Industries, including everyone present today.

The big ask is for transparency to be included in the wording in the clause, which will require AI developers to adhere to strict requirements on ‘web crawlers’ and AI that they are transparent, open, and ethical in their access, purpose, and use of copyright materials for generated AI training purposes.

Amendments were originally tabled by Cross Party Peer Baroness Kidron in the House of Lords and then thrown out by our government. Today, further amendments have been tabled, and the debate goes on. Critical will be the final reading in the House of Lords on May 12^th.

Dids Macdonald, Chair and Co-Founder of ACID, said, “It cannot be right that this or any government has the power to give away the copyright that underpins our gold UK standard creative industries. Apart from anything else, it is not in their gift to do so and is contrary to current UK intellectual property law, which affords protection to content creators. This is not about the Creative Industries v Big Tech and AI, it is to craft an agreement where both can benefit from each other to achieve growth through ethical and transparent use, where originators are rightfully compensated for their work.”