UK AI Copyright Bill Faces Lords’ Opposition, Creative Industry Impact

The UK’s Data (Use and Access) Bill, which proposes allowing AI developers access to copyrighted material unless owners opt out, has ignited a fierce and ongoing parliamentary battle over AI and copyright. Nearly 300 members of the House of Lords oppose the bill’s current form, arguing that AI firms should disclose and license copyrighted content used for training, warning that the bill amounts to 'state-sanctioned theft' threatening the UK’s £124 billion creative industry. Supporters, including former Meta executive Sir Nick Clegg, contend that requiring permission from all copyright holders would stifle the UK’s AI sector. This standoff reflects a broader tension between the tech industry’s growth and protection of creative workers' livelihoods, with no compromise yet in sight and the bill stuck in parliamentary limbo. Meanwhile, Getty Images CEO Craig Peters highlights the financial strain of pursuing legal action against AI companies like Stability AI, which are accused of using millions of copyrighted images without permission, framing the issue as unfair competition disguised as technological progress. The debate underscores the challenge of balancing innovation with fair compensation for creators amid rapid AI development.