Representatives of the creative industries and the AI sector are set to make up newly formed expert working groups on AI and copyright as part of the UK’s Plan for Change.
These groups will play a vital role in helping to drive forward practical, workable solutions to issues associated with AI and copyright.
A consultation on the UK’s legal framework for copyright, which explores how the government can deliver solutions supporting both the creative industries and the AI sector, was launched in December last year, attracting 11,500 responses.
Close collaboration on the issues raised across the debate has been central to the government’s approach, ensuring that both sectors not only have the support they need to drive further growth, but also that the British public can share in the successes of the two sectors, which are crucial to the Modern Industrial Strategy.
Engagement with industry representatives is key
Representatives from both the AI sector and creative industries have engaged extensively with Ministers throughout the consultation process.
The formal launch of new expert working groups will continue to ensure that both sectors play a vital role in supporting the work that drives forward practical, workable solutions to foster innovation and growth while protecting vital services from the issues caused by AI and copyright.
Representatives from the creative and AI sectors will now gather in London for the first of a series of regularly scheduled meetings, comprising key industry figures.
They include representatives of:
- News Media Association
- Alliance for IP
- Sony Music Entertainment
- Publishers Association
- The Guardian
- Open AI
- Amazon
- Meta
The impacts of AI and copyright
Today’s discussions mark the first in a series of planned talks, which will initially focus on the impacts, opportunities, and common ground in the AI and copyright debate. Their work will then help inform next steps following the conclusion of the government’s consultation.
Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Peter Kyle, explained: “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.
“The work we’ll be taking forward in the coming months will ensure we can work in partnership to deliver a fresh start for creatives and AI developers alike.”
The role of AI and creatives in the government’s Modern Industrial Strategy
Both sectors are a vital part of the government’s modern Industrial Strategy, and the AI and Copyright consultation considered a broad range of issues in the copyright debate, including how right-holders can have a better understanding of how AI developers are using their material and how it has been obtained.
“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,” commented Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy.
She added: “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.”
The consultation also explored how access to high-quality data can be improved for AI developers, thereby bolstering their ability to innovate and drive the growth.