A campaign by popstars including Elton John and Dua Lipa to protect artists’ works from being mined to train AI models without consent has received a boost after nearly every defendant in the government’s case. Counseling Supported his case.
Of the more than 10,000 people who spoke on how music, novels, films and other works should be protected from copyright infringement by tech companies, 95 percent called for strengthening copyright and requiring licenses in all cases or no changes to copyright law.
By contrast, only 3% supported the government’s initially preferred tech company-friendly option, which required artists and copyright holders to actively opt out of feeding their content into data-hungry AI systems.
Ministers later dropped that priority because of the backlash. Artists who have protested against the dilution of their copyrights include Sam Fender, Kate Bush and the Pet Shop Boys. Campaigners to protect artists’ copyright have expressed fears that ministers have paid too much attention to the interests of US tech companies.
US President Donald Trump Said: “We need to allow AI to use that (copyrighted) pool of knowledge without having to go through the complexity of contract negotiations,” and warned international governments not to “make rules and regulations that … make it impossible” for AI companies.
Last month Paul McCartney stepped up the campaign to protect copyright by releasing a new recording, which was almost completely silent except for some noise in the studio as a protest against copyright theft by AI companies.
Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Liz Kendall told Parliament on Monday there was “no clear consensus” on the issue and the government would “take time to get this right”, and promised to make a policy proposal by 18 March 2026.
“Our approach to copyright and AI must support prosperity for all UK citizens, and foster innovation and growth for all sectors of the economy, including the creative industries,” he said. “This means keeping the UK at the forefront of science and technology so that Britons can benefit from breakthroughs, transformative innovation and greater prosperity.
“It also means continuing to support our creative industries, which make a huge economic contribution, shape our national identity and give us a unique place on the world stage.”
But campaigners for copyright holders said the consultation response set out a clear path forward for the government.
Musician and campaigner for copyright fairness Ed Newton-Rex said, “This is a tremendous show of support for the common sense position that AI companies should pay for the resources they use, and a total rejection of the government’s ‘preferred option’ of handing over the work of UK creatives to AI companies for free.”
“Liz Kendall should listen to the people and refuse to change copyright law to benefit AI companies.”
Owen Meredith, chief executive of the New Media Association, urged Kendall to reject any new copyright exceptions and end the uncertainty created by “this lengthy process”.
“This will send a clear message to AI developers that they need to enter into licensing agreements with UK media and creative copyright owners, unlocking investment and strengthening the market for high-quality content which is the most valuable ingredient in creating safe, trustworthy AI models,” he said.
Last month, Kendall indicated that she was sympathetic to artists’ demand that their copyrighted works not be taken down by AI companies without payment and that she wanted to “reset” the debate. He said, “People want to be paid for their work fairly,” and “we have to find a way that allows both sectors to grow and develop in the future”.
