UK Technology Secretary Peter Kyle has reiterated the government’s stance on AI copyright policy, urging critics not to “resist change” as discussions continue. The proposal, which would require creators to actively opt out if they do not want their work included in AI training datasets, has drawn criticism from musicians, filmmakers, and media organisations.
Speaking to the Financial Times, Kyle stated that the Labour government intends to “prioritise the forward movement” of the economy and society. He dismissed concerns that the policy would favour one sector over another, asserting, “I will not pit one against the other.” Content creators argue that the proposal could weaken intellectual property protections, allowing AI developers to use copyrighted materials without explicit permission.
Kyle addressed the issue while attending US chipmaker Nvidia’s recently held GTC conference in Silicon Valley. During the event, he confirmed that the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is assessing more than 11,000 responses to its consultation on AI and copyright. He stated that legislation would follow “in due course.”
The proposal has faced strong opposition from the creative sector. Eric Fellner, co-chair of Working Title Films, described it as an “existential threat” to Britain’s creative industries. Media organisations and rights holders argue that requiring creators to opt out places an unfair burden on individuals rather than mandating AI developers to seek prior approval before incorporating copyrighted content into machine learning models.
The AI copyright policy is part of a broader effort to position the UK as a leader in AI development. In January, the government introduced its 50-part “AI Opportunities Action Plan,” incorporating recommendations from venture capitalist Matt Clifford. The initiative aims to enhance computing infrastructure and attract investment in AI research.
At Nvidia’s event, Kyle highlighted plans for a major data centre outside London, with access to nearly 2 gigawatts (2GW) of power. He suggested the site could support a large-scale AI computing hub, stating, “I want shovels in the ground this year.” While he did not disclose the location, he framed the initiative as part of the UK’s broader AI infrastructure expansion.
“The real importance of this is it shows the enthusiasm for AI — and the wealth that it generates, and its importance to our economy and society — is not just from me and the prime minister, it’s from communities up and down the country,” Kyle said.
Creative sector challenges AI copyright policy
Musicians, filmmakers, and authors have warned that AI models could replicate copyrighted material without authorisation or compensation. Industry groups argue that the proposal could weaken existing protections and impact revenue streams for creators. The debate reflects broader concerns about AI regulation and intellectual property rights in the digital era.
Earlier this month, the UK government announced plans to expand the use of AI within the civil service as part of a broader effort to modernise public services. Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that AI-driven solutions would be introduced to handle certain administrative tasks traditionally performed by civil servants, aiming to achieve equivalent outcomes with greater efficiency. Officials have indicated that AI will be used to automate routine processes, allowing civil servants to focus on more complex decision-making and service delivery.
Read more: UK unveils AI strategy to transform public services and reduce workforce
