The UK government has opened a consultation to address the challenges and opportunities arising at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and copyright law. The initiative, spearheaded by the Intellectual Property Office, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, aims to ensure that the UK’s legal framework supports both the creative industries and the burgeoning AI sector.

The consultation will run for 10 weeks, beginning December 17, 2024, and concluding at 11:59 PM on February 25, 2025. It invites stakeholders to share their views and evidence regarding the proposed changes to copyright regulations in light of AI advancements.

The UK government recognizes the dual significance of its creative industries and AI sector as drivers of economic growth and innovation. Acknowledging their critical roles in the country’s Plan for Change, the government aims to strike a balance between fostering AI innovation and safeguarding the rights of creators.

Copyright remains a cornerstone of the UK’s creative economy, allowing creators to control the use of their works and seek remuneration. However, the increasing use of copyrighted material for training AI models has raised concerns among rights holders about the adequacy of existing protections. Many rights holders report difficulties in exercising their rights in this evolving landscape.

The government has outlined key objectives for the consultation. It seeks to boost trust and transparency by ensuring AI developers provide greater clarity to rights holders about how copyrighted materials are utilized in training AI models. 

Additionally, it aims to enhance rights holders' control over whether their works are used for AI training and to strengthen their ability to seek remuneration. Another critical goal is to ensure AI developers have access to high-quality materials to train cutting-edge models, fostering growth within the UK’s AI sector.

The consultation will also address emerging issues, such as copyright protection for computer-generated works and challenges associated with digital replicas.