UK reverses course on AI copyright position after backlash

"You get young guys, girls, coming up, and they write a beautiful song, and they don't own it, and they don't have anything to do with it. And anyone who wants can just rip it off. The truth is, the money's going somewhere... somebody's getting paid."

"We have listened. We will not introduce reforms to copyright law until we are confident that they will meet our objectives for the economy and UK citizens. This means protecting the [interests of creators and the broader economy]."

"The AI industry could 'rip off' artists and lead to a 'loss of creativity.' The government's previous position would have allowed AI companies to train on copyrighted materials without consent, with only an opt-out clause for artists and copyright holders."

The UK government reversed its previous position on allowing AI companies like Google and OpenAI to train models on copyrighted materials without consent. The original data bill would have permitted this practice with only an opt-out option for artists and copyright holders. Following substantial opposition from high-profile musicians including Elton John, Dua Lipa, and Paul McCartney, the government abandoned this approach. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall announced the reversal, stating the government has "listened" to concerns. The government now has "no longer a preferred option" on the issue and will take time to balance the interests of both artists and the technology industry before introducing any copyright law reforms.

Read at Engadget