BFI, Industry Urge Stronger UK AI Copyright Rules

The British Film Institute (BFI) has warned that over 130,000 film and TV scripts have been used without permission or payment to train generative AI models, threatening the UK screen sector's economic foundation and raising serious copyright concerns. The BFI's report highlights risks to jobs, creative control, and the value of intellectual property, while also addressing potential benefits of AI in production. As the UK government considers legislation that would require copyright holders to opt out of AI training, the BFI and industry leaders advocate for an 'opt-in' regime and robust licensing frameworks. The report urges ethical, sustainable AI adoption and offers recommendations on rights management, environmental impact, and workforce training. The UK’s Data Use and Access Bill is nearing passage, sparking debate between advocates of stronger copyright protections and those favoring frictionless AI development. Industry figures are also calling for a dedicated UK AI authority to balance regulation, innovation, and creator protection.