Government backtracks on AI and copyright after outcry from major artists

The UK government has backtracked on its position on copyright and AI, stating it must take time to "get this right".

Its original position - allowing AI companies to use copyrighted works to train their models with an opt-out option - received major backlash from the likes of Sir Elton John and Dua Lipa.

"We have listened," Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said on Wednesday, saying the government no longer favours that approach.

However, the government's position is now unclear, saying it "no longer has a preferred option" for what to do next.

Chief executive of UK Music Tom Kiehl hailed the development as "a major victory for campaigners" and said it will work with government.

Kendall said the government had "engaged extensively" with people in the creative and AI industries.

It is attempting to balance the interests of the two sectors by giving creatives control of how their work is used, while recognising AI models need to be trained on work such as writing, music and video.

In a separate impact assessment, it recognised the contributions both the creative sector and the AI industry make to the UK economy.

The assessment said UK culture is a "world-leading national asset", while the AI industry is growing "23 times faster than the rest of the economy".

The technology secretary's announcement followed a consultation on the issue, which concluded the government's initial plan was overwhelmingly rejected by the creative sector.

But there was no firm conclusion on what happens next, with the government saying it would not reform copyright laws "until we are confident that they will meet our objectives for the economy and UK citizens".

Mandy Hill, president of the Publishers Association, said the backtrack was a victory "over the self-interest of a handful of large corporations".

However, Hill said the government has not entirely ruled out allowing tech companies to use copyrighted content to train AI models without a license.

"The existing law is clear," she added. "Copyright material cannot be used for AI development and training without permission."

Anthony Walker, deputy chief executive of Tech UK, said getting the balance right is critical.

"The UK has set its sights on leading the G7 in AI adoption, but that requires a clear and enabling framework for AI innovation," he said.

"With international competitors moving ahead, the UK cannot afford for this to remain unresolved."

The issue of AI and copyright continues to be controversial.

Last year, some of the highest profile British artists - along with peers in the House of Lords - wanted an amendment to the government's Data (Use and Access) Bill.

It would have forced tech companies to declare their use of copyright material when training AI tools.

Without it, it was argued, tech firms would be given free rein to help themselves to UK content and train their AI products to mimic it - putting human artists out of work.

Sir Elton, in an interview with the BBC, compared it to "committing theft, thievery on a high scale".

However, in June last year, the government refused the amendment and the wide-ranging bill was passed.

Joy and disappointment for creatives and the tech sector

Dr Jo Twist, chief executive of trade body for the UK music industry the BPI, told BBC News she was "pleased" the government had changed its position.

"We don't want to see any kind of text and data mining exception being introduced further down the line," she said.

"There's real opportunity here if the licensing market is allowed to thrive, and if creativity and AI can go hand in hand when it comes to innovation and growth - not at the expense of our creativity," she added.

UK Music boss Tom Kiehl said the hundreds of thousands of people in the industry should be able to work "without the constant fear that the fruits of their labour could effectively be taken by AI firms without payment or permission".

The Musicians' Union, meanwhile, called for collective licensing schemes to protect individual artists, "not just major rights holders".

However, Vinous Ali of the Startup Coalition, which supports tech startups in the UK, was disappointed a "more concrete way" had not yet been found.

"It is critical we find a workable solution that allows our AI startups to go toe to toe with competitors operating in more enabling environments," she added.

Additional reporting by BBC Music Correspondent Mark Savage