A group of prominent figures, including Dua Lipa, Sir Elton John, Sir Ian McKellen, and Florence Welch, have urged the prime minister to revise copyright legislation to safeguard their work from the encroachment of artificial intelligence.
In a significant move, over 400 British musicians, writers, and artists have united in a letter directed to Sir Keir Starmer, expressing their concerns that a lack of protective measures would result in them “giving away” their creative works to technology companies.
The report highlights concerns regarding “the UK’s position as a creative powerhouse,” indicating that it is also at risk.
There is a call for the Prime Minister to support an amendment to the Data (Use and Access) Bill, which would mandate developers to disclose their use of copyrighted material when training AI models.
A government spokesperson stated, “We aim to ensure that both our creative industries and AI companies thrive. We are engaging in consultations regarding measures that benefit both sectors.” Officials emphasised that potential changes will only be entertained if they are convinced these modifications benefit creators.
The list of other signatories features notable figures such as author Kazuo Ishiguro, playwright David Hare, and musicians Kate Bush and Robbie Williams. Additionally, the renowned band Coldplay and esteemed individuals Tom Stoppard and Richard Curtis have added their names to the roster.
Sir Paul McCartney, who expressed his concerns about artificial intelligence potentially exploiting artists in a January interview with the BBC, has signed the letter.
“We are wealth creators, reflecting and promoting national narratives. As future innovators, our role is essential; AI requires us just as much as it needs energy and computer skills,” the statement asserts.
Concerns expressed by stakeholders could be addressed if the government supports an amendment put forth by Baroness Beeban Kidron, as a crucial vote in the House of Lords approaches on Monday.
The amendment proposed by Baroness Kidron aims to enable AI developers and creators to establish licensing frameworks that will facilitate the continued production of human-created content for years.
The artists’ approach has sparked a range of opinions, with not everyone in agreement.
Julia Willemyns, co-founder of the Centre for British Progress think tank, expressed concerns that such proposals could hinder the UK’s growth ambitions.
She told the BBC that the measures would “do nothing to stop foreign firms from using content from the British creative industries.”
“A restrictive copyright regime could lead to the offshoring of AI development, stifle domestic innovation, and have a detrimental impact on the UK economy,” she stated.
Amid growing apprehension among artists, the letter highlights issues surrounding the incorporation of their creations and copyrighted material in the datasets used to develop generative AI systems.
The rise of these tools, capable of generating new content from straightforward text prompts, has led to their growing popularity and accessibility among consumers.
However, their advancements have sparked concerns and criticism regarding data usage and energy consumption.
In February, a group of artists, including Annie Lennox and Damon Albarn, unveiled a silent album as a protest against the government’s suggested alterations to copyright law.
The government has initiated a consultation regarding its proposal to permit developers to use creators’ online content for model development unless rights holders choose to “opt out.”
Ministers are reportedly re-evaluating the proposal in light of creators’ backlash, as The Guardian noted.
Mr. Ishiguro directed the BBC’s attention to a previous statement in which he questioned, “Why is it just and fair – why is it sensible – to alter our time-honoured copyright laws to benefit massive corporations at the expense of individual writers, musicians, filmmakers, and artists?”
The Nobel Prize-winning author noted that since then, the only significant development was the government’s apparent acknowledgement that the opt-out proposals were unlikely feasible. He expressed optimism about the potential for a new consultation to establish a fairer scheme, yet it remains uncertain how substantive such a consultation would ultimately prove to be.
“They must ensure accuracy in this matter,” he stated.
Members of Parliament have recently dismissed an amendment proposed by Baroness Kidron, which sought to hold AI developers accountable under UK copyright law.
She asserts that the transparency obligations for tech firms outlined in the newly proposed amendment could facilitate the establishment of licensing agreements between creators and companies.
Baroness Kidron emphasised that the UK stands at a pivotal juncture in establishing itself as a significant force in the global AI supply chain. However, she cautioned that seizing this opportunity hinges on the transparency outlined in her amendments, which she deemed crucial for fostering a dynamic licensing market.
The government emphasised the importance of carefully reviewing the various responses to their consultation while highlighting the necessity of laying the groundwork for future actions. The organisation has pledged to release a comprehensive report and economic impact assessment, delving into the diverse array of issues and perspectives surrounding the ongoing debate.