UK pursues controversial “opt-out” copyright law for AI training, making artists’ work available by default

The UK government’s proposed changes to copyright law could fundamentally alter how artists’ work can be used by AI companies, potentially allowing tech firms to harvest creative content without explicit permission. These changes would shift the burden to artists to actively opt out of having their work used for AI training, reversing the traditional copyright principle that creators automatically own and control the use of their intellectual property. The proposal comes amid growing tensions between creative industries and technology companies over how AI systems should be allowed to use human-created content.

The big picture: The UK government is considering changing copyright laws to allow AI companies to use artists’ work for training models without explicit permission, requiring creators to actively “opt out” instead.

• Artists in Devon have expressed significant concern, with the Devon Artist Network describing themselves as “very worried” about how the changes would impact creators’ rights.
• The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) claims the current copyright regime is “holding back the creative industries” and wants to explore new approaches.

What they’re saying: Local illustrator Sarah McIntyre from Bovey Tracey called the proposed changes “disastrous” for her profession.

• “We’ve always owned our work, that’s just a part of British law,” McIntyre stated, highlighting the fundamental shift these changes would represent.
• Conservative MP Mel Stride criticized the proposal, saying the government was “putting the creative industries at risk” and called for Labour to “press pause on its rushed consultation.”

Counterpoints: Some technology experts suggest AI could potentially help creators rather than harm them.

• Mike Phillips, a professor of interdisciplinary arts at the University of Plymouth, noted that AI technology might actually assist artists in tracking copyright abuses.

Where things stand: The consultation on the proposed copyright changes has concluded, but the DSIT spokesperson emphasized that no final decisions have been made yet.