Representatives from the AI and creative sectors will convene into working groups to seek solutions to the ongoing issue of copyright protections for training data.
For as long as publicly available AI models have been able to generate writing, images and video based on the data of millions of existing pieces of work, there has been a fierce debate over the legality of the practice.
Numerous campaigns from high-profile artists like Damon Albarn, Kate Bush and Elton John have been launched to protect the creations of musicians and other creatives from being used without permission or pay by AI companies.
Lawsuits from corporates against AI companies have also been launched, notably Getty Images legal action against British firm Stability AI.
Policymakers have faced intense pressure to provide clarity on the legality of using copyrighted work for training models, facing lobbying from both creatives and the AI industry, much of which has argued in the name of applying fair use exemptions to the practice.
In an effort to find an amicable solution, the Tech and Culture Departments have formed working groups with representatives from both sides of the debate to hold discussions to inform the government’s next steps.
The working groups will include representatives from OpenAI, Meta and Amazon, as well as Sony Music, The Guardian and News Media Association.
The first of these meetings will take place in London on Wednesday.
“I am determined to harness expert insights from across the debate as we work together to deliver a solution that brings the legal clarity our creative industries and AI sector badly need in the digital age,” said Tech Secretary Peter Kyle.
“Today’s meeting and the formation of these expert working groups will continue to ensure all voices can be heard so we can reset and refocus on how we can deliver precisely that.”
The government hopes the creative and AI sectors will be able to find common ground on one of the most contentious issues surrounding the technology.
“Our world-class creative industries are a key part of our economy which create jobs and drive growth right across the country. These sectors have been recognised as a priority sector by the government and I am fully focused on supporting them to flourish,” said Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy.
“We have heard loud and clear the concerns from the creative industries around AI and copyright and these roundtables will give us another chance to consider the best way forward.
“We have committed to ensuring a copyright regime that values and protects human creativity, can be trusted and unlocks new opportunities for innovation across the creative sector and wider economy.”
Read more: UK arts union ‘ready’ to strike if AI agreements aren’t reached
Register for Free
Bookmark your favorite posts, get daily updates, and enjoy an ad-reduced experience.
Already have an account? Log in
