A group of prominent UK designers have expressed strong concerns about a proposed revision to copyright laws that could allow artificial intelligence (AI) companies to use copyrighted material without permission. This concern is shared across various creative sectors, including publishing, music, film, TV, and the performing arts, with notable figures such as Sir Paul McCartney, Richard Osman, and Kate Bush voicing their opposition.
The designers, whose ranks include notable names such as Sebastian Conran, Jasper Morrison, Tomoko Azumi, and Tom Dixon, have written to the UK Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle, urging him to reconsider these plans. They argue that their industry, which has contributed significantly to the UK’s wealth, reputation, and international trade, could be severely impacted by the proposed changes.
The designers emphasize that their work, like that of the music industry, relies heavily on copyright, intellectual property, and patents. They see the government’s proposal as threatening the very foundation of their profession, and accuse the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT) of not adequately recognizing the value their sector brings to the nation.
Furthermore, the government’s plan, which proposes an opt-out system where AI companies would have access to creative works unless the copyright holders explicitly refuse, is criticized as being impractical and unfair. The designers, along with other critics, argue that this system essentially obligates content creators to actively protect their rights, reversing the typical legal presumption of copyright protection.
In response, a government representative claimed that the current copyright framework is hindering progress in the creative industries, media, and AI sector. They expressed a commitment to increased transparency from AI developers concerning the data used to train their models and stated that any decision would only be made after thorough consideration to ensure all objectives are met.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2025/mar/31/designers-uk-copyright-law-ai-letter
