New Data Bill Amendment for AI Companies
A recent amendment to the data bill mandates that artificial intelligence companies reveal their use of copyrighted material, following a vote by MPS on Wednesday to discard earlier drafts.
The changes introduced by Crossbench Peer and former film director Bevan Kidron pose new hurdles for initiatives that would permit AI firms to utilize copyrighted content without authorization.
This amendment bypasses previous budgetary constraints, meaning earlier versions lack financial resources for the discarded regulations.
The updated language suggests the government “may” include enforcement measures, rather than stating it “must” do so, and it lacks specifics on how these measures would be implemented.
In a discussion on Monday, the revised version of the bill passed with 272 votes in favor and 125 against, and will be sent to the House of Representatives for debate on May 19th.
Kidron commented: “We have accepted the Chairman’s stance on the Commons’ financial privileges and substituted the original amendment with one that maintains a degree of transparency. We sincerely hope the government will accept this, as it aligns with the transparency they themselves have suggested. This could offer the creative sector and UK AI firms a clear timeline and establish norms regarding licensing and potential misuse.”
Owen Meredith, the CEO of the News Media Association, remarked: “This new amendment eliminates the potential for direct costs related to enforcement, which was a significant concern regarding prior drafts. Copyright holders will gain clearer, more relevant, and accessible information about how their work is utilized, while the government retains flexibility in its approach.”
He further stated, “Discussions within the creative industry, including feedback from various votes and legislative bodies, emphasize the importance of equipping rights holders to enforce their rights effectively. We’re at a critical juncture—it’s time to act and not just listen.”
During discussions on Wednesday, Data Protection Minister Chris Bryant acknowledged that many in the creative sector view this as a “potentially disastrous moment,” yet he argued that transparency revisions should be implemented in a holistic manner rather than in fragmented pieces. He stressed that expediting the passage of the data bill will accelerate updates to copyright law.
The government’s copyright proposal is still under consultation this year, but critics are using the data bill to express their discontent.
The proposed legislation would enable AI companies to use copyrighted works freely, allowing model development without permission, unless the copyright holder opts out.
