UK’s AI copyright plan gets crushed by public — only 3% back it (www.techradar.com)

In a recent public consultation, only 3% of respondents supported the UK government's proposed copyright plan for AI training, which suggested allowing AI developers to use copyrighted material with disclosure and an opt-out option for rights holders. In stark contrast, over 88% of participants advocated for a stronger licensing requirement, insisting that AI developers obtain explicit permission before using any copyrighted works. This overwhelming disapproval reflects a significant pushback from creators, including writers, artists, and musicians, who argue that the proposed framework undermines their rights and could lead to rampant unauthorized exploitation of their work. The implications are crucial for the AI and ML community, as the outcome of this consultation could redefine how AI models are trained in the UK. With the current copyright laws proving inadequate for the complexities introduced by AI, the uncertainty surrounding what constitutes fair use remains. The government's next steps could either alienate creators by imposing a questionable framework or lead to a more stringent licensing regime that might stifle innovation among AI startups. The final decision, due in March 2025, carries the potential to shape the future of the UK’s digital economy and the relationship between AI development and intellectual property rights.