UK Music Industry Wins Major Victory as AI Training Bill Gets Crucial Copyright Amendment
The UK government's proposed AI training bill has faced a significant setback in the House of Lords, with a new amendment passing 272-125 that transforms the controversial "opt-out" approach to AI training.
House of Lords building from above
The original bill would have allowed AI developers to train their models on copyrighted works without prior permission, requiring rightsholders to actively opt out. Following substantial criticism from the music industry, including protests from Elton John and Paul McCartney, the House of Lords has approved significant changes.
Key Changes in the Amendment:
- Copyright owners can now access information about data used in AI model training
- AI developers must provide mechanisms to identify all copyrighted works used in training
- Rightsholder approval is required before training, replacing the opt-out system
- Requirements apply to AI models with significant UK users or targeting UK markets
The amendment introduces stricter oversight of AI training practices, requiring developers to be more transparent about their data sources and obtain explicit permission from copyright holders. These requirements will affect any AI model with substantial UK presence or market focus.
The legislation now moves to the House of Commons for further debate. This development parallels ongoing global discussions about AI training and copyright protection, particularly in the United States, where similar debates continue through both legislative proposals and legal challenges.
Joe Rogan speaking into microphone
The amendment represents a significant shift in approaching AI regulation, prioritizing creator rights while maintaining technological advancement opportunities. This balance could set a precedent for similar legislation worldwide.