The UK government's proposal to allow AI companies to train their models on copyrighted works is facing strong opposition from creative industry stakeholders. The proposed exemption would permit tech companies to use copyrighted material freely unless rights holders explicitly opt out.

Key concerns from industry leaders include:

• The Publishers Association calls the proposal "entirely untested and unevidenced"
• The UK creative sector, worth £126 billion annually, fears negative impact on livelihoods
• News organizations argue it would allow AI firms to avoid fair compensation
• Small and mid-sized creators may be particularly vulnerable

Dan Conway, Publishers Association CEO, emphasizes the importance of maintaining proper commercial incentives and rights holder control over content usage.

The News Media Association advocates for:

• Publisher control over content usage
• Fair remuneration for content
• Transparency requirements within existing copyright framework
• Rejection of the proposed opt-out system

Data protection minister Chris Bryant MP defends the proposal as a "win-win" that could create new revenue streams for creators through content licensing.

The consultation will also explore implementing a "right of personality" similar to US regulations, protecting celebrities from unauthorized AI replication of their voice or likeness.

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