Ministers have reversed course on a proposed change to UK copyright law that would have made it easier for artificial intelligence firms to train models on protected creative works without prior permission. Industry groups and campaigners hailed the decision as a significant win for creators after weeks of intense public pressure. (Sources: Computing, Press Gazette)

The policy under discussion would have established an opt-out-style exception, allowing AI developers to use newspapers, music and other copyrighted material for model training unless rights-holders explicitly prevented it. That approach prompted a coordinated campaign by publishers and creative industry bodies that argued the measure risked giving away valuable cultural content to large technology companies. (Sources: Press Gazette, Advanced Television)

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said the government had listened to those concerns and would not proceed with a single preferred path to reform. "We believe that people should be paid fairly for the work that they do. It should not be that only the big and powerful can assert their rights," she said, framing the pivot as a response to engagement with creatives, unions, academics and industry. Her comments followed a government consultation launched in December 2024 that closed in February 2025 seeking views on how copyright should apply to AI development. (Sources: Computing, gov.uk)

The retreat marks a clear victory for organisations that led the opposition, including news publishers and music and performing-rights groups, which warned the opt-out model would undercut creators' ability to control and monetise their work. Industry representatives urged the government to reject other expansive exceptions, arguing alternatives such as a broad "research" carve-out could be equally damaging. (Sources: Press Gazette, Advanced Television)

Public sentiment appeared sharply at odds with the government's original stance. A January 2026 TechRadar survey reported only 3% of respondents supported the government's preferred policy, while more than 88% said AI developers should obtain explicit permission before using copyrighted material for training. The poll added political pressure to the industry-led campaign that had already mobilised across the sector. (Source: TechRadar)

With the consultation now concluded, ministers say they will consider the extensive responses before deciding next steps. Government statements indicate the opt-out copyright exception has been removed from active consideration while work continues on a framework intended to balance creators' rights with the needs of AI developers. Stakeholders on both sides are watching closely for any future proposals that could reopen the debate. (Sources: gov.uk, Advanced Television)

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Source: Noah Wire Services