UK Artists Urge Stronger AI Copyright Protections

Over 400 prominent UK artists, including Dua Lipa, Sir Elton John, Paul McCartney, and Kate Bush, have signed an open letter urging Prime Minister Keir Starmer to strengthen copyright protections against unauthorized use of their work by AI companies. The letter calls for amendments to the Data (Use and Access) Bill, demanding transparency from tech firms regarding the creative content used to train generative AI models. Artists warn that the current legislative proposals could result in years of copyright infringement, threatening both their livelihoods and the UK's position in the creative sector. They emphasize support for technological innovation but insist that creators' rights must be upheld to protect the creative industry, which employs 2.4 million people. The bill has passed the House of Commons without specific AI-related copyright protections, and an important House of Lords vote is imminent. The initiative is backed by a wide coalition of musicians, writers, producers, and creative businesses, reflecting broad industry concern.