The UK government's proposal to allow AI companies to train their models on copyrighted works without explicit permission has sparked significant opposition from creative industry stakeholders.

The controversial proposal would implement an opt-out system where tech companies could freely use copyrighted material for AI training unless rights holders explicitly refuse. This has raised serious concerns about creators' rights and fair compensation.

Key stakeholders have voiced strong opposition:

• Publishers Association CEO Dan Conway emphasized the lack of evidence supporting this exception and stressed the importance of protecting content creators' investments
• Crossbencher Beeban Kidron highlighted risks to the UK's £126 billion creative sector
• News Media Association CEO Owen Meredith called for fair remuneration and rejected the opt-out approach
• News organizations warn this would allow AI companies to avoid responsibility

Data Protection Minister Chris Bryant defended the proposal as a "win-win" that could create new revenue streams through content licensing. The government consultation will also examine the need for "right of personality" protections, similar to US laws preventing unauthorized AI replication of celebrities' voices and likenesses.

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