A reset, not a retreat, on AI copyright
- Time ALGOR
- Mar 26
- 2 min read
Once again, the UK has failed to find a definitive way forward on AI and copyright that meets the needs of a world-leading digital economy.
The government has effectively parked the discussion on text and data mining. It is instead seeking to reset the debate by focusing on more specific issues where the government hopes there is potential to make progress in the near term.
So, what happens next?
Government is bringing forward its previous work on transparency, labelling, technical tools and standards. These issues will join four core work streams on the areas of concern affecting creatives and rightsholders with regard to AI model inputs and outputs. These workstreams will combine this previous work while also incorporating new priorities.
Digital replicas, including the use and creation of likenesses and how to prevent and mitigate potential harms. There will be a consultation launching in Summer 2026.
Labelling AI-generated content, including how to make it easier for consumers to understand what has been created or augmented by AI and how to showcase best practices for industry, through a taskforce and an Autumn 2026 interim report.
Technical tools, controls and transparency measures for creators, including how to ensure they can control where their work ends up online, through a review of gaps affecting AI input transparency.
Protections for independent artists and creators, especially those who currently struggle with licensing and remuneration on their own.
These are all important issues, but it is yet to be seen if government will be more successful in finding agreement across such a broad range of stakeholders.
techUK's view
The challenge is that while the debate remains stalled in the UK, our international competitors have put in place mechanisms in the form of either ‘fair use’ provisions or TDM exemptions that are more enabling for AI innovation.
Failure to at least match these provisions will hold back both AI development and adoption in the UK. What is needed is a workable way forward that can support the needs of the whole UK economy. The path forward will need to include both the UK’s creative and technology sectors, as well as almost every other part of the economy that needs to harness the potential of AI to remain competitive in a fast-moving world.
The hope is that today’s reset moment provides an opportunity for all sides to come to the table to look at the practical steps we need to take to ensure that the UK can remain at the forefront of both AI innovation and AI deployment in the years ahead, while supporting our world-class creative sector.
Deputy CEO, Antony Walker, said in response to today’s update:
Today's announcement must be used as an opportunity to reset and find a way forward on an issue that matters enormously for the UK economy. As the Chancellor set out in her Mais lecture, AI will be a key driver of innovation, productivity and growth across every part of the UK economy. The UK has set its sights on leading the G7 in AI adoption, but that requires a clear and enabling framework for AI innovation - and getting AI and copyright right is central to that ambition. With international competitors moving ahead, the UK cannot afford for this to remain unresolved. We remain committed to working with Government and stakeholders to find a workable path forward that supports human creativity and our world class creative sector while also ensuring the UK remains globally competitive in AI development and adoption.
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