A group of prominent stars, including Dua Lipa, Sir Elton John, Sir Ian McKellen, and Florence Welch, have joined forces with over 400 British musicians, writers, and artists to urge the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, to update copyright laws to safeguard their creative work from the encroachment of artificial intelligence (AI). In a letter addressed to Mr. Starmer, these artists express their concern that failing to provide sufficient protection could effectively mean “giving away” their work for tech companies to exploit for the advancement of AI technologies. They also emphasize the potential threat to the UK’s esteemed position as a leading creative force.
The request from these luminaries is for the Prime Minister to endorse an amendment to the Data (Use and Access) Bill. This amendment would mandatorily require AI developers to be upfront with copyright owners regarding the utilization of their materials for training AI models. The signatories believe that such transparency is crucial in forging a balance between the burgeoning AI sector and the creative industries.
Other notable figures who have lent their names to this cause include author Kazuo Ishiguro, playwright David Hare, musicians Kate Bush and Robbie Williams, along with Coldplay, Tom Stoppard, and Richard Curtis. Even Sir Paul McCartney, who publicly voiced his concerns about AI potentially ‘ripping off’ artists, has signed the letter.
In response, a government spokesperson expressed a commitment to enable both the creative sectors and AI companies to thrive. The spokesperson clarified that any considerations for changes will only proceed if creators are fully protected and can benefit from them. Meanwhile, Julia Willemyns from the Centre for British Progress think tank criticized the proposals, arguing that they could harm the UK’s economic growth and offshore AI development by creating overly restrictive copyright laws.
This letter and the movement it represents come as there is growing anxiety among artists regarding the inclusion of their copyright-protected work in the data used to strengthen AI systems. As AI tools that can generate content evolve and become more accessible, questions about data usage, permissions, and copyright infringements have become pressing concerns for the creative community.
In February, a protest was mounted by artists like Annie Lennox and Damon Albarn, who released a silent album to highlight their opposition to proposed changes in copyright law. The government has been consulting on proposals that could allow developers to use online content to develop their AI models unless the rights holders choose to “opt out.”
Kazuo Ishiguro, among those who have voiced their opposition, questioned the fairness and practicality of altering well-established copyright laws to benefit large corporations at the expense of individual creators. Despite a recent consultation and an amendment proposed by Baroness Beeban Kidron being rejected by MPs, there remains hope for a reevaluation and the issue to be addressed in a comprehensive manner that protects both creators and the AI industry.
Baroness Kidron, who is at the forefront of pushing for accountability from AI developers in respect of copyright law, stated that transparency and fair licensing agreements are key to navigating the evolving AI landscape while maintaining the UK’s position within the international AI supply chain. The government has acknowledged the need to consider all sides of the debate and has pledged to publish a report and economic impact assessment to move forward mindfully.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c071elp1rv1o
