"Ninety-five per cent of the more than 10,000 people who had their say over how music, novels, films and other works should be protected from copyright infringements by tech companies called for copyright to be strengthened and a requirement for licensing in all cases or no change to copyright law. By contrast, only 3% of people backed the government's initial preferred tech company-friendly option, which was to require artists and copyright holders to actively opt out of having their material fed into data-hungry AI systems."
"Ministers subsequently dropped that preference in the face of a backlash. Artists who have opposed any dilution of their copyright include Sam Fender, Kate Bush and the Pet Shop Boys. Campaigners to protect artists' copyright have voiced fears that ministers have paid too much attention to US tech companies' interests."
Popstars including Elton John and Dua Lipa front a campaign to prevent artists' works being mined to train AI models without consent. Over 10,000 respondents took part in a government consultation, with 95% calling for strengthened copyright and mandatory licensing or no change. Only 3% supported an opt-out approach that would require artists to actively opt out, prompting ministers to drop that preference. High-profile artists opposing dilution include Sam Fender, Kate Bush and the Pet Shop Boys. Campaigners warn ministers may have favored US tech interests. Paul McCartney released an almost silent recording as a protest. The government promised policy proposals by 18 March 2026.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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