The government’s preferred option in a consultation is to allow AI companies to train the models on copyrighted work by giving them an exception for “text and data mining”.
AI companies’ defence of using copyrighted material leans on the US legal doctrine of “fair use”, which allows use of content in certain circumstances without seeking the owner’s permission.
TechUK, a trade body representing tech firms, says current “uncertainty” over AI and copyright law is holding back development and use of the technology – including in the creative industries.
Creative professionals and industries including authors, artists and newspaper publishers are demanding compensation for the use of their work to build those models – and for the practice to stop until they have granted permission.
The creative industries are fighting back against UK government proposals to let artificial intelligence companies use copyright-protected work without permission.
