BBC and Sky slam AI copyright plans

Media corporations are advocating for an opt-in rule, stating that companies should establish licensing agreements before utilizing creative works.

The director general of the BBC and the boss of Sky have voiced criticism regarding proposals that would allow tech firms to use copyright-protected work without seeking permission. The government has assured that artificial intelligence legislation will not negatively impact the £125bn creative sector.

The creative industry has expressed concerns that the initial proposals, outlined in a consultation in February, would grant AI companies access to creative works unless the copyright holder opts out, which would “scrape the value” out of the sector.

Sky's group chief executive, Dana Strong, drew parallels between the proposal and the company's fight against TV piracy. She noted that individuals and small companies may lack the experience and financial resources to safeguard their intellectual property. Speaking at the Deloitte and Enders Media and Telecoms conference, she stated that protecting copyright is a significant issue concerning artificial intelligence, adding that policing the consequences of the opt-out would be impossible. She added that the resources her organization uses to fight for intellectual property rights would be impossible for small producers to keep up with.

BBC director general Tim Davie said the government needs to implement protections because the industry could face a crisis as the consultation continues. He stressed the need to protect national intellectual property and make swift decisions regarding IP protection.

The industry is advocating for an opt-in system that requires AI companies to obtain permission and negotiate licensing agreements with copyright holders before using content to train their models.

Culture secretary Lisa Nandy addressed these concerns and, alongside technology secretary Peter Kyle, plans to hold roundtable discussions with the creative industries to ensure that legislation does not harm the sector. She told the 800 conference attendees that she is determined to find a way forward that benefits both the creative and tech industries. She added that the issue of AI and copyright needs to be carefully considered, and enforceable legislation should be drafted with input from creatives and technologists.

Last month, the government was accused of being too closely aligned with big tech after analysis revealed that Kyle and his department had 28 meetings with individuals connected to or representing the sector within six months.

The government has already made some concessions, including committing to an economic impact assessment of the proposed copyright changes and publishing reports on transparency, licensing, and data access for AI developers, following a backlash from creators. Nandy said that the government approaches the issue without a preferred option and that if it doesn’t work for the creative industries, it will not work.