Ministers consider changes to AI plans after lobbying from artists

Ministers are considering changes to proposals that would allow AI developers to use creators’ content to help train their models unless rights holders opt out, according to The Guardian.

Sources have told newspaper that following pressure from artists, a number of changes to the plans are being discussed, with ministers acknowledging the need to protect British creative industries.

The concessions could include an exemption from the opt-out system for some sectors and preferential access to British AI companies.

“Ministers would very much like to find something everyone can work with,” said the source.

“Abandoning the plans altogether is not seen as an option as it would put British AI companies at a disadvantage, but there are ways to protect certain sectors which are particularly important, and to make sure big US technology giants are not getting all the benefit.”

A government spokesperson said, “No decisions will be taken until we are absolutely confident we have a practical plan that delivers each of our objectives, including increased control for rights holders to help them easily license their content, enabling lawful access to material to train world-leading AI models in the UK, and building greater transparency over material being used.”