A campaign by popstars including Elton John and Dua Lipa to protect artists’ works from mining to train AI models without consent has received a boost after almost all government respondents consultation supported their cause.
Ninety-five percent of the more than 10,000 people who had their say on how music, novels, films and other works should be protected from copyright violations by tech companies called for strengthening copyright law and requiring a license in all cases or no changes to copyright law.
In contrast, only 3% of respondents supported the government’s initial pro-tech option, which was to require artists and copyright holders to actively opt out of having their material fed into data-intensive AI systems.
The ministers then abandoned this preference in the face of a violent reaction. Artists who have opposed any dilution of their copyrights include Sam Fender, Kate Bush and the Pet Shop Boys. Campaigners for protecting artists’ copyrights have expressed concerns that ministers have paid too much attention to the interests of US technology companies.
US President Donald Trump has said: “We must allow AI to use this (copyrighted) pool of knowledge without going through the complexity of contract negotiations,” and warned international governments not to “develop rules and regulations that… make it impossible” for AI companies to do business.
Last monthPaul McCartney intensified the campaign to protect copyright by releasing a new recording, which was almost entirely silent except for some ambient clicking in the studio in protest of copyright theft by AI companies.
Liz Kendall, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, told Parliament on Monday that there was “no clear consensus” on the issue and that the Government would “take the time to get it right”, and promised to make policy proposals by March 18, 2026.
“Our approach to copyright and AI must support the prosperity of all UK citizens and drive innovation and growth across sectors of the economy, including the creative industries,” she said. “This means keeping the UK at the forefront of science and technology so that British citizens can benefit from breakthroughs, transformative innovation and greater prosperity.
“It also means continuing to support our creative industries, which make a considerable economic contribution, shape our national identity and give us a unique position on the global stage.”
But campaigners for copyright holders said the consultation response sets a clear path forward for the government.
“This is a massive show of support for the common-sense position that AI companies should pay for the resources they use, and a complete rejection of the government’s ‘preferred option’ of giving AI companies the work of UK creatives for free,” said Ed Newton-Rex, composer and copyright fairness campaigner.
“Liz Kendall should listen to people and rule out changing copyright law to benefit AI companies.”
Owen Meredith, chief executive of the New Media Association, urged Kendall to rule out any new copyright exceptions and end the uncertainty created by “this protracted process”.
“This will send a clear message to AI developers that they must enter into licensing agreements with copyright holders of UK media and creatives, freeing up investment and strengthening the market for high-quality content which is the most valuable ingredient for producing safe and reliable AI models,” he said.
Last month, Kendall indicated that she was supportive of the artists’ requests. not have their copyrighted works removed by AI companies without payment and wanted to “reset” the debate. “People rightly want to be paid for the work they do,” she said, and “we need to find a way for both sectors to grow and prosper in the future.”