The United Kingdom government has stepped back from its previous plan on AI and copyright, saying it needs more time to “get this right” after strong backlash from artists including Sir Elton John and Dua Lipa.
Its earlier proposal would have allowed AI firms to use copyrighted works for training unless creators opted out, but Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said this approach is no longer preferred.
“We have listened,” she said, adding the government no longer favours that option. Ministers now say they “no longer have a preferred option” and will not change copyright law until it meets economic and public objectives.
The shift follows major opposition from the creative sector, which argued the plan would weaken protections for artists. Sir Elton John had previously compared the idea to “committing theft, thievery on a high scale”.
UK Music chief executive Tom Kiehl called the development “a major victory for campaigners” and said creatives should be able to work “without the constant fear that the fruits of their labour could effectively be taken by AI firms without payment or permission”.
Publishers Association president Mandy Hill welcomed the reversal, describing it as a victory “over the self-interest of a handful of large corporations”.
She also said, “The existing law is clear. Copyright material cannot be used for AI development and training without permission.”
However, she noted the government has not fully ruled out future changes. The Musicians’ Union is calling for collective licensing schemes to protect artists, “not just major rights holders”.
Tech industry groups expressed concern about uncertainty. Anthony Walker of Tech UK said, “The UK has set its sights on leading the G7 in AI adoption, but that requires a clear and enabling framework for AI innovation,” adding, “With international competitors moving ahead, the UK cannot afford for this to remain unresolved.”
Dr Jo Twist of the BPI said, “We don’t want to see any kind of text and data mining exception being introduced further down the line,” adding, “There’s real opportunity here if the licensing market is allowed to thrive, and if creativity and AI can go hand in hand when it comes to innovation and growth – not at the expense of our creativity,” while Startup Coalition’s Vinous Ali warned the lack of clarity could hurt UK AI startups.
