Peers vote to defy government over copyright threat from AI

a year ago

Defiant peers in the House of Lords delivered an ultimatum to the government, demanding copyright protection for artists against AI companies.
The government suffered its fifth defeat in the Lords over plans allowing AI firms to use copyrighted material for training models.
Peers voted 221-116 to amend the data bill, requiring AI companies to disclose the materials used in training their models.
Elton John called copyright protection an 'existential issue' for artists and urged the government to act.
The standoff between the Commons and Lords threatens to shelve the data bill unless the government accepts or counters the amendment.
Beeban Kidron, a cross-bench peer, led the resistance, accusing the government of aiding 'widespread theft' of creative works.
The government offered concessions, including publishing reports on AI and copyright regulation within nine months, but peers remain unsatisfied.
If no agreement is reached, the bill could fall, a rare outcome last seen in the 1997-98 session with the European parliamentary elections bill.
The government's proposal allows AI companies to use copyrighted works unless owners opt out, sparking criticism from creators and publishers.

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