Backlash Arises Over AI Copyright Report from Tony Blair Institute

The Tony Blair Institute (TBI) has unveiled a report urging the UK to take a leading role in managing the intricate intersection of art and artificial intelligence.

The report, known as 'Rebooting Copyright: How the UK Can Be a Global Leader in the Arts and AI,' highlights that the international race for cultural and technological dominance is still ongoing, offering the UK a key opportunity to emerge at the forefront.

The TBI report stresses that nations willing to adapt and creatively leverage artificial intelligence will establish the technical, aesthetic, and regulatory benchmarks that others will emulate.

It points out that we are currently in the throes of a new evolution in media and communication, with AI transforming how text, images, and sounds are produced, shared, and absorbed, much like innovations such as the printing press, gramophone, and camera did in the past.

"AI will introduce a fresh era of interactive and tailored creations, alongside a counter-movement that underscores all that AI cannot replicate," the report articulates.

Rather than heralding the decline of human inventiveness, the TBI posits that AI will pave the way for "novel forms of originality."

The effects of the AI revolution are not confined to creative sectors; they resonate across society. Researchers employ AI to expedite breakthroughs, medical professionals use it for X-ray analysis, and emergency responders deploy it to identify earthquake-damaged structures.

The report notes that these industry-wide progressions are merely the onset, as future AI systems are projected to become ever more sophisticated, driven by advancements in computing capability, data, model designs, and access to skilled talent.

The UK government has stated a goal to become a leader in AI through its AI Opportunities Action Plan, as announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer on 13 January 2025. The TBI supports this ambition, observing that "with thoughtful design and execution, AI has the potential to enhance human health, safety, and prosperity."

However, AI's rapid adoption across various sectors brings forth urgent policy discussions, particularly concerning the data utilized for AI training. The application of UK copyright law to AI model training is currently disputed, often portrayed as a "zero-sum game" between AI developers and rights holders. The TBI argues this narrative "mischaracterizes both the challenges and opportunities ahead of us."

The report underscores that "courageous policy measures are essential to provide all involved parties with legal clarity, thereby unlocking investments that drive innovation, foster employment, and stimulate economic growth."

The TBI asserts that AI holds promise for creators, referencing its application across diverse fields from podcasting to film production. The report connects this with previous technological advancements, such as the printing press and internet, which initially faced resistance but ultimately led to society's adaptation and human resourcefulness overcoming obstacles.

According to the TBI, adapting copyright laws to "progress in tandem with technological advancements" is crucial for maintaining their pertinence in the AI era.

The UK government has proposed a text and data mining exception with an opt-out provision for rights holders. The TBI considers this a positive first step in balancing the interests of all stakeholders but acknowledges the "substantial implementation and enforcement challenges" it presents, cutting across legal, technical, and geopolitical spheres.

In the report, the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change evaluates the UK's proposal's potential and proposes a comprehensive policy framework to ensure it functions effectively.

The report features recommendations and anticipates new forms of art emerging from AI. It also examines the disagreement between rights holders and developers over copyright and the broader repercussions of copyright policy, highlighting the serious barriers to the UK's text and data mining proposal.

Moreover, the Tony Blair Institute delves into the intricacies of managing an opt-out system, addressing implementation challenges, enhancing the accessibility and feasibility of opt-outs, and addressing the diffusion challenges. Concerns about AI-generated summaries and their implications on identity are also discussed, alongside defensive strategies as a partial remedy and resolving licensing issues.

The document aims to clarify standards for human creativity, consider digital watermarking, and explore uncertainties regarding the influence of generative AI on the industry. It suggests establishing a Centre for AI and the Creative Industries and explores the risk of judicial scrutiny, the potential of a remuneration framework, and the merits of a targeted levy on ISPs to fund the Centre.

Nonetheless, the report has invited significant criticism. Ed Newton-Rex, CEO of Fairly Trained, shared several concerns on Bluesky. These critiques include:

Adding to the criticism, British writer Jonathan Coe pointed out that "the five co-authors of the report on copyright, AI, and the arts all hail from science and technology backgrounds, with no artist or creator among them."

While the report from the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change endorses the government's pursuit to be an AI frontrunner, it also brings attention to crucial policy issues, particularly regarding copyright law and AI training data.