Artists and MPs have expressed concern over government plans to introduce a copyright exception for text and data mining (TDM), warning it could harm the UK’s creative industries.
The changes aim to allow artificial intelligence (AI) developers to mine content more easily, while offering creators the ability to reserve their rights. However, critics fear the opt-out system would undermine long-standing copyright protections.
Labour MP James Frith, a former musician, said the proposals “threaten to rip the rug from under” creators, leaving them “confused, alarmed, and deeply concerned.”
Pete Wishart, SNP MP and former member of the band Runrig, called the plans a threat to the “lifeblood” of the UK’s creative sector. He said: “Copyright doesn’t write hit songs or make smash-hit movies, but it is what enables musicians, writers, and designers to earn a living. Without it, investment and livelihoods are at risk.”
“A loss of creativity”
The UK government recently announced its ‘AI Opportunities Action Plan’ to foster AI innovation in the country. However, the news has been met with some concern about the future of British creativity and the protection of artist’s work.
The proposed copyright rules have garnered much controversy across the UK’s creative industries, with some acclaimed actors and singers speaking out against the use of creative work to train AI, creating a petition signed by over 40,000 people including singer Kate Bush and actor Kevin Bacon.
Paul McCartney also recently appealed to the government asking them to rethink plans or risk a “loss of creativity” in the country.
The former Beatles singer told the BBC: “You get young guys, girls, coming up, and they write a beautiful song, and they don’t own it, and they don’t have anything to do with it. And anyone who wants can just rip it off”.
The ongoing debate underscores the challenge the UK government faces right now – balancing innovation in AI with safeguarding the rights and livelihoods of the UK’s world-renowned creative industries.