Introduction
The formation of expert working groups on AI and copyright marks a significant step in addressing the complex relationship between AI developers and content creators. These groups, comprising representatives from major AI companies and creative industries, aim to develop practical solutions to the ongoing tensions surrounding copyright issues.
Description
Newly formed expert working groups on AI and copyright [10], comprising representatives from major companies in the AI sector [5] [9], such as OpenAI, Meta [3], and Amazon [3], alongside entities from the creative industries like Sony Music, The Guardian [3], and DACS, which represents visual artists [2], will play a crucial role in developing practical solutions that address the existing tensions between AI developers and content creators regarding copyright issues. This collaborative effort leverages the expertise of professionals from both sectors to navigate the intersection of innovation and ethical considerations in AI, aiming to influence the future landscape of AI and copyright law [1]. The groups seek to balance AI innovation with robust protection for creators as part of the UK’s Plan for Change, focusing on transparency [7], consent [2] [7], and control over the use of copyrighted works [7].
Content creators [7] [8], including publishers [7], authors [7], musicians [7], and visual artists, have expressed concerns that their works are being used without permission to train AI models [7], seeking greater transparency and fair compensation for their use [7]. High-profile artists have been particularly vocal about the need to protect their creations from unauthorized use by AI companies, underscoring the urgency of these discussions.
The initial meeting [3] [6] [7], scheduled to take place in London and chaired by the Technology and Culture Secretaries, marks the beginning of ongoing discussions following a comprehensive consultation on the UK’s copyright legal framework [6], which has already attracted significant public engagement since its launch in December, receiving over 11,500 responses [2] [7] [8] [10]. While no final decisions have been made [8], the government is reviewing feedback to inform future policy [8], including an economic impact assessment and a report on copyright use in AI development [7]. These discussions will focus on assessing the impacts and opportunities related to AI in the context of copyright [11], fostering a better understanding between rights holders and AI developers [11].
Supported by government departments including the Department for Science [4], Innovation and Technology [4] [11], the Department for Culture [4] [11], Media and Sport [4] [11], and the UK Intellectual Property Office [4], this initiative is designed to address the concerns raised and foster growth in both sectors [9]. Policymakers are under pressure to clarify the legal landscape surrounding the use of copyrighted material [3], with lobbying efforts from both creatives and the AI industry advocating for fair use exemptions [3]. Key issues will include enhancing rights holders’ understanding of AI developers’ use of their materials and improving access to high-quality data [5] [10], which is vital for fostering innovation and addressing copyright concerns [5]. One working group will specifically focus on transparency in AI training [7], while another will explore technical solutions for rights holders to manage the use of their works [7]. The establishment of a text and data mining (TDM) exception will depend on the development of effective technical solutions for rights reservation [8].
Ongoing discussions will help finalize the Terms of Reference for the expert working groups [9], contributing to broader dialogues between the two sectors and emphasizing the importance of expert insights for legal clarity. The government is also reviewing amendments related to AI copyright protections that were added to the recently enacted Data (Use and Access) Act [7]. Despite previous attempts to establish a voluntary AI copyright code of practice failing [7], the current discussions involve representatives from both the AI and creative sectors. The government is dedicated to creating a balanced copyright regime that safeguards human creativity while promoting innovation [9], recognizing the crucial economic significance of the creative industries and the need to navigate the challenges posed by technological advancements. Intellectual property rights holders and technology companies are advised to stay informed about upcoming government announcements [8], particularly regarding the potential TDM exception [8], to ensure they can opt out if they wish to exclude their works from AI training data [8]. The working groups will convene regularly [2] [6], with their findings expected to influence future policy development and ensure that the developed solutions are practical and equitable for all stakeholders involved.
Conclusion
The establishment of these expert working groups is poised to significantly impact the future of AI and copyright law. By fostering collaboration between AI developers and content creators [7], the initiative aims to create a balanced framework that supports innovation while protecting creative rights. The outcomes of these discussions are expected to shape policy development, ensuring that solutions are both practical and equitable for all stakeholders involved [6].
References
[1] https://timesofinnovation.com/retail-news/uk-set-to-deliver-solutions-to-ai-and-copyright-issues/
[2] https://www.dacs.org.uk/news-events/working-groups-on-ai-and-copyright
[3] https://www.uktech.news/ai/ai-and-creative-sectors-convene-to-tackle-copyright-issue-20250716
[4] https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/creative-and-ai-sectors-meet-as-uk-9840026/
[5] https://www.innovationnewsnetwork.com/uk-set-to-deliver-solutions-to-ai-and-copyright-issues/59887/
[6] https://completeaitraining.com/news/creative-and-ai-sectors-unite-in-new-working-groups-to/
[7] https://www.pinsentmasons.com/en-gb/out-law/news/ai-copyright-working-groups-uk
[8] https://acuitylaw.com/first-government-response-to-consultation-on-ai-and-copyright/
[9] https://www.gov.uk/government/news/creative-and-ai-sectors-kick-off-next-steps-in-finding-solutions-to-ai-and-copyright
[10] https://www.miragenews.com/creative-ai-sectors-launch-ai-copyright-1497475/
[11] https://www.lexisnexis.co.uk/legal/news/dsit-dcms-launch-expert-working-groups-on-ai-copyright-framework
