The Data (Use and Access) Bill has passed without an amendment lobbied for by artists and publishers that would have required AI companies to declare their use of copyright material.
In May, media industry leaders and artists including Sir Paul McCartney and Dua Lipa signed an open letter urging prime minister Sir Keir Starmer to support the amendment, which aims to give UK creative industries transparency over the copyright of works used by AI models.
The amendment was led by Baroness Beeban Kidron.
It was part of a wider effort by the creative industries to seek clarity over AI companies’ access to their work and which includes the “Make It Fair” campaign launched by news brands in February.
‘Our work is not yours to give away’: Creative leaders urge Starmer to enforce copyright law
The government has rejected that amendment, noting that there is a separate, ongoing AI consultation on copyright. Furthermore, there are plans for a separate AI bill.
Some have suggested that restricting AI companies’ use of content would put the UK behind in this important, fast-growing industry.
The Data Bill will now become law once royal assent is given.
A Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT) spokesperson said: “This bill is about using data to grow the economy and improve people’s lives, from health to infrastructure, and we can now get on with the job of doing that.”
The PPA has expressed disappointment that MPs have “chosen to side with Big Tech” and it is a “considerable blow” to the creative industries.
Eilidh Wilson, head of policy and public affairs at the PPA, added: “We were pleased to note the government’s plans to form working groups with representatives from the creative sector to examine this issue. Also that it has brought forward its plans for an economic impact assessment and will publish a report on the use of copyrighted works by AI.
“We trust these will further demonstrate the damaging impact AI copyright theft is having on our creators and look forward to continued engagement with ministers to ensure these issues are addressed.
“However, its commitment for a new bill on AI copyright next year will come too late. It means our members face at least another year of damaging uncertainty while they await legislation, which may still fail to address their core concerns.”
UK creative industries call on government to ‘make it fair’ in AI era
