UK reverses course on AI copyright position after backlash
TL;DR
The UK government has dropped its previous position on AI copyright after significant backlash from the creative sector. A planned data bill would have allowed AI companies like Google and OpenAI to train on copyrighted material without consent, offering rights holders only an opt-out clause. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said 'We have listened' – but the government now 'no longer has a preferred option' on how to handle the issue.
Nauti's Take
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Briefingshow
The UK government's reversal is a rare example of organised creative-industry pushback actually producing political results. However, the current state – no preferred option – is not a real victory but a vacuum. The core question of whether and how AI companies may use copyrighted works for training remains unresolved.
That buys rights holders time, but not legal certainty.
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