UK Government Faces Opposition Over AI Copyright Proposals

A recent academic study argues against granting generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) special exemptions from copyright law, emphasizing that such privileges would contradict protections afforded to human creators. The paper critiques the rationale behind allowing GenAI to use copyrighted material without authorization, asserting that it undermines the legal principles of fair use and diminishes protections for human artists. Meanwhile, in the UK, the government faces backlash from the creative industry over proposed copyright reforms that would allow AI companies to utilize copyrighted works without permission unless rights holders opt out. Prominent figures in the arts have voiced concerns that these changes could jeopardize the creative sector, leading the government to propose economic impact assessments to address these issues. Additionally, the Motion Picture Association has emphasized the need for a balanced approach that allows AI to thrive while still protecting copyright holders, highlighting the tension between innovation and creator rights in the evolving landscape of AI technology.