Thank you to those constituents who have contacted me about AI and the creative industries. I understand the importance of the issues you raise. Our world-class creative industries are a key part of our economy, creating jobs and growth across the country. Yet, the industry faces great uncertainty from emerging technologies.
In today’s fast changing world, I recognise the need to ensure that creators have control over the use of their content in the training of AI models and must expect to be remunerated for their work. Copying protected material in the UK will infringe copyright – unless it is licensed or an existing exception to copyright applies.
The consultation on AI and copyrights closed in February 2025. I am assured by Ministers that no changes to copyright law will be made unless they work for creators. I also note that the “opt-out” model is no longer the Government’s preferred option.
The Government recognises the concerns from the creative industries around AI and copyright and is determined to bring the technology sector and the creative industries together through the cross-sector expert working groups, which it convened in July 2025. It is important to ensure that rights holders understand how and where their content is used, while also ensuring any measures are not disproportionate for small businesses and individuals.
I look forward to the Government reporting back to Parliament by March 2026 on the economic impact assessment as part of the Data (Use and Access) Act, which will cover the options laid out in the copyright and AI consultation, as well as any alternative options.
Thank you once again for contacting me about this important issue.
Best wishes
Rt Hon Hilary Benn
MP for Leeds South
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland