On February 25, News/Media Alliance submitted comments to the UK Government in response to its consultation on copyright and artificial intelligence (AI). The consultation, launched in December, included a proposal for an exception to copyright law for “text and data mining” (TDM), allowing AI developers to access online content freely, unless rightsholders have explicitly reserved their rights. The consultation also proposed the adoption of transparency measures, in addition to touching upon other subjects, including copyrightability questions.
The Alliance’s comments rejected the argument that the UK law is ambiguous when it comes to AI developers’ right to use protected content without authorization and urged the Government to reject the proposed TDM exception. The comments noted that it would turn the foundational principles of copyright upside down and emphasizing the strong and close links between the U.S. and U.K. creative industries and the existence of thriving content licensing markets. The Alliance also clarified aspects of U.S. copyright law that are designed to adequately support both creative production and technological innovations, discussed the lack of working rights reservation measures, and stated that any opt-out requirement would place an undue burden on rightsholders. While urging the rejection of the TDM proposal, the Alliance expressed strong support for meaningful transparency obligations and enforcement mechanisms. Read the full comments here.
Members of the News/Media Alliance staff have contributed to this post.