Unions join call for AI regulation to protect creatives
AI-generated content should be clearly labelled and consent for use of materials should be opt-in, says TUC
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has launched a manifesto to calling for the IP rights of writers, performers, educators and other creatives to be protected against abuse by tech companies.
It comes as the government’s consultation with tech companies and creatives on copyright came to an end last week.
The TUC, a federation of 48 unions, is calling for greater transparency from tech companies over their use of content to train generative AI models. It says artist should be paid for their work, have their intellectual property rights respected and be able to withdraw their consent.
It proposes that AI-generated content be clearly labelled, and that consent for use of materials should be opt-in, rather than the opt-out mechanism apparently favoured by the government.
The government previously suggested that “text and data mining” for training AI should be exempt from copyright laws. Unsurprisingly, the TUC disagrees.
“Government should confirm and uphold the principle that data mining for AI training without consent is an infringement of intellectual property rights and increase protection for creative workers in response to the new technology,” it said.
“There should be licensing and compensation mechanisms for data mining and AI training so that they can be carried out legally with informed consent and fair remuneration of workers.”
The TUC also calls for new “likeness rights” to protect peoples’ likenesses from being used without their consent.
The call comes as many high-profile artists, writers and musicians, including Paul McCartney, Kate Bush, have spoken out about the danger of allowing technology companies to use creative works without permission or paym. Many UK newspapers have joined the "Make It Fair" campaign backed by the creative industries.
In terms of monetary value, government figures show the UK creative industries sector contributed £124.6 billion of value to the UK economy in 2022.
A recent study by the Alan Turing Institute and Queen Mary University of London found that 80% of creatives saw GenAI as decreasing their job security, with almost the same number saying financial compensation is taking a hit and their work is being devalued. This compares to 12% or less who saw the technology as beneficial.”
Anna Ganley, chief executive of the Society of Authors, said attempts to reach out to AI companies have not been fruitful. “We’ve had very few responses,” she said. “So little engagement, shrouded in NDAs.”
Peter Kyle, secretary of state for Science, Innovation and Technology said it’s important to get the balance right.
"Securing Britain's future as an AI leader and safeguarding the rights and rewards of people at work must go hand in hand as we navigate the complex and challenging technological revolution facing us all, he said, as reported by the Mirror.
“Our consultation into AI and copyright closed this week and we are now considering the full range of the thousands of responses we have received.
"Let me be absolutely clear – no changes will be considered unless I am completely satisfied that we are delivering a solution which works for creators. That is my firm red line."
The government has reportedly shelved its long-awaited AI Bill until the summer at the earliest.