From the Newsdesk

Today the Government Announced an AI Opportunities Plan

The UK Government’s AI Opportunities Plan announced today by the Prime Minister has elicited significant concern from the creative industries, particularly regarding proposed changes to Copyright laws. It gives carte blanche to allow AI developers to utilise materials protected by Copyright for training models without prior permission, provided rights holders have not explicitly opted out. This “opt-out” mechanism is viewed by many creators as inadequate and unmanageable, potentially leading to widespread unauthorised use of their works. For lone, micro and SME copyright creators, it will be almost impossible to police.

Famous musicians, including Sir Paul McCartney, have spoken in the Sunday Times and The Times supporting many others’ fears that such measures could undermine the livelihoods of emerging artists and devalue creative content. The Creative Rights in AI Coalition, representing various trade organisations, argues that the Government’s proposal effectively shifts the burden of Copyright enforcement onto individual creators; a move they deem both morally indefensible and technically impractical.

The Financial Times also note that, additionally, there is apprehension about the lack of transparency from AI companies regarding the data used to train their models. The creative sector advocates for mandatory disclosure of training datasets to ensure fair compensation and to prevent the erosion of intellectual property (IP) rights.

In summary, the creative industries urge the government to reconsider aspects of the AI Opportunities Plan that may compromise copyright protections. They advocate for a framework that ensures creators maintain control over their works and receive fair remuneration, as well as fostering a balanced relationship between technological advancement and the rights of content originators.

Dids Macdonald OBE ACID’s Director of Public Affairs, IP Policy and Campaigning said “Whilst clearly there are significant benefits of AI which can be harnessed to help to achieve the government’s growth ambitions for the benefit of all, it seems an untimely announcement in view of the latest Copyright and AI consultation which does not close until 25 February giving little or no chance that copyright creators voices can be heard.

How can lone, micro, and small innovators police the use of their copyright or easily access “opt out”? A balance must be struck in accord with the global agreement at the 2023 Bletchley AI summit spearheaded by Matt Clifford, one of the leads of the current recommendations.

This would appear also to be in contravention of the Human Rights Act of 1998 which states that “In the context of AI, this ensures that creators retain ownership and control over their works, even when AI systems are involved”. Unauthorised machine-led AI users should not compromise human endeavour and original creativity.”

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