Renowned British authors Kate Moss and Richard Osman recently voiced their concerns regarding the Labour Party's proposed artificial intelligence (AI) policy, stating that it could destroy the development of the creative industry and amount to "theft" of artistic works. Labour leader Keir Starmer has put forward a plan to transform the UK into "a global AI powerhouse," supporting a proposal that includes 50 action points, one of which involves changing the rules regarding technology companies' use of copyrighted texts and data for training.
Image source note: The image was generated by AI, licensed through Midjourney
Currently, the government is considering whether to allow large tech companies to access data from literature, music, and other creative works on a large scale without the copyright holders actively opting out. This move is seen as a means to promote the development of UK AI companies, as training AI models requires vast amounts of data. Tech companies argue that the current copyright laws are unclear and may hinder technological advancement. However, creators hope that AI companies will pay fair usage fees for their works and express disappointment over the Prime Minister's support for a system similar to the EU's, which requires copyright holders to opt out of data collection.
The Alliance for Creative Industries recently expressed "deep concern" over Starmer's stance and called on the government to consider their demands while protecting creators' rights. Notable musician Paul McCartney has warned that AI "could completely replace human creativity," while Kate Bush, along with Stephen Fry and Hugh Bonneville, signed a petition emphasizing that "the unauthorized use of creative works to train AI is a significant threat to creators' livelihoods and must not be allowed."
Moss stated in an interview with The Guardian: "The use of AI should be responsible and reasonable, but it should not come at the expense of the creative industry." She believes that this policy supports one type of growth while harming another. Osman also clearly stated that if copyrighted works are to be used, permission should be obtained and fees paid; any other approach is theft.
According to the action plan, the government will promote "reforming the UK's text and data mining regulations to ensure it is at least as competitive as the EU." However, many creators oppose this, arguing that they should automatically receive compensation for the use of their works. In response, the government stated it will ensure that while supporting the development of the AI industry, it also protects the interests of the creative industry and will conduct relevant consultations.
Key Points:
📚 Writers strongly oppose the Labour Party's proposed AI policy, claiming it infringes on creators' rights.
⚖️ The plan allows tech companies to use copyrighted works without permission, which writers consider "theft."
🤖 The government states it will reform copyright laws to balance the relationship between AI and the creative industry, but no final decision has been made yet.
