Home / Technology / AI vs Artists: Copyright battle heats up in UK parliament
AI vs Artists: Copyright battle heats up in UK parliament
16 Dec, 2025
Summary
- 95% of respondents want copyright strengthened against AI.
- Sam Fender, Kate Bush oppose AI's use of their work.
- Government promises policy by March 2026.
A significant push from artists and campaigners aims to protect creative works from AI training, receiving substantial backing in a government consultation. Over 95% of respondents advocated for stronger copyright protections and mandatory licensing for AI use, rejecting the government's initial preference for an opt-out system.
This initiative, supported by prominent figures like Elton John and Dua Lipa, faces opposition from US tech interests, as highlighted by Donald Trump's stance on AI's access to knowledge. Despite the overwhelming public response, UK's Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Liz Kendall, indicated on 2025-12-16T06:16:22+00:00 that there is "no clear consensus" and policy proposals are anticipated by March 2026.
Campaigners, including composers and media executives, are urging the government to heed the consultation's results, emphasizing the need for AI companies to license content. They warn that failing to do so risks devaluing UK creatives and jeopardizing investment in the creative industries.
