Under new proposals from the Labour Party, large technology companies will be permitted to disregard conventional copyright rules as they develop their artificial intelligence systems. This significant change has raised concerns among various organisations within the creative industries, particularly those in music, publishing, and film.
The controversy surrounding the training of AI models has intensified, especially as numerous tech firms have been accused of utilising content without proper compensation or attribution. A coalition of over 40 creative organisations has recently urged the government to address this issue, highlighting the unauthorised use of their intellectual property for AI training processes. This coalition, known as the Creative Rights in AI Coalition, includes DMG Media, the owner of the Daily Mail.
Owen Meredith, representing the News Media Association, voiced his concerns regarding the government's plans. Speaking to the Daily Mail, he stated: “The Government’s consultation fails to address the real issue. The UK’s gold standard copyright law is already clear; what is missing is robust enforcement and transparency requirements that empower creative businesses to assert their rights.” He further cautioned that the new proposals would potentially allow generative artificial intelligence firms to evade their obligations to pay for or credit the content they use.
In response to the growing tension, ministers announced the consultation, indicating that the aim is to create avenues for rights-holders to negotiate licensing deals should they wish to prevent tech companies from exploiting their works. However, critics of the proposals argue that such measures shift the onus onto the content creators, placing them in the position of having to actively protect their own copyright.
Dame Caroline Dinenage, the chairman of the Commons culture, media, and sport committee, acknowledged the proposals as a positive step but emphasised the need for them to genuinely uphold the rights of creators. She remarked: “The consultation is a welcome recognition of the need for change, but the Government needs to make sure proposals ensure creators’ rights are respected.”
As discussions continue, the balance between technological advancement and copyright protections remains a pressing issue within the UK, with the future implications of these proposals yet to unfold. The creative industries are watching closely as policymakers attempt to navigate the complexities of modern AI technologies alongside longstanding intellectual property rights.
Source: Noah Wire Services