Labour Faces Overwhelming Rejection on AI Copyright Plan

Labour’s proposal to permit artificial intelligence firms to use copyrighted materials unless rights-holders explicitly opt out has been firmly rejected by the British public. In a recent consultation attracting more than 11500 responses from creators, AI developers, academics and lawyers, just 3 percent supported the government’s preferred opt-out position. The vast majority, 88 percent, called for copyright laws to be strengthened, demanding compulsory licensing agreements for any use of protected works in AI training. An additional 7 percent supported retaining current protections.

Ed Newton-Rex, chief of the non-profit Fairly Trained and a former AI developer, described the consultation results as a decisive repudiation of the government’s policy. He asserted that public sentiment should prompt ministers to exclude any new copyright exceptions from the legislative agenda without delay.

Leading creative figures have openly criticised Labour’s plans. Musicians such as Sir Elton John, Sir Paul McCartney and Kate Bush, alongside actors including Julianne Moore, Stephen Fry and Hugh Bonneville, have raised concerns over widespread unauthorised use of creative content in AI development. Initiatives like the Make It Fair campaign, supported by The Telegraph and other industry stakeholders, have framed the move as representing an existential threat to the creative sector.

Industry bodies have warned that continued uncertainty over copyright policy discourages investment in original British works. Owen Meredith, chief executive of the News Media Association, has appealed for definitive government action to rule out any new copyright exceptions. He argued this would encourage AI firms to negotiate appropriate licenses, supporting the value and sustainability of high-quality UK content.

The government claims it is seeking to strike a balance between robust copyright protection and the ambition to develop the UK as a global AI leader, buoyed by a large technology deal with the United States. Yet, critics suggest ministers have taken a lenient approach towards the interests of international technology giants, raising questions over the support for British firms given the limited representation on official AI working groups.

Despite significant opposition in the House of Lords and from stakeholders, new legislation related to data use in AI systems passed through Parliament earlier this year. The policy debate continues, with a cross-party parliamentary working group on copyright and AI preparing a comprehensive impact assessment and full report for release in March.

The government has stated it remains open to all options, with further details on consultation responses and technical considerations due in its forthcoming progress report. The debate will remain central for both the creative industries and technology sector as the regulatory framework takes shape.