Government AI plans depend on ‘more remuneration’ for creatives, says minister
Sir Chris Bryant emphasized the UK's strength in producing content and highlighted the importance of government plans regarding AI and copyright law. He stated that the UK is positioned as a 'content superpower' in these areas. Bryant's remarks were made during a discussion with Members of Parliament. The government's initiatives aim to uphold intellectual property rights and promote innovation in the digital landscape. Bryant's assertion underscores the UK's commitment to supporting the creative industries.
Government AI initiatives will only proceed if there is “more remuneration for the creative industries at the end of it”, a minister has said. Culture minister Sir Chris Bryant told MPs the UK is a “content superpower” as he insisted “copyright law stands firmly behind creative industries”.
Amendment to Data Bill
The Data (Use and Access) Bill had been amended by peers in a bid to protect creatives from having their copyrighted work used to train AI models without permission or remuneration. The measures would explicitly subject AI companies to UK copyright law, regardless of where they are based, and allow copyright owners to know when, where, and how their work is used.
During culture and media questions in the Commons, Conservative MP for Herne Bay and Sandwich, Sir Robert Gale, raised concerns about the protection of creatives' work and asked what the Government plans to do to safeguard their rights.
Sir Chris replied: “Copyright law stands firmly behind creative industries today and will for the future. We will do absolutely nothing to undermine the fact that this country is truly great, one of the few great countries in the world that is able to boast of itself as a content superpower. And anything that we do in relation to AI and copyright will only proceed if we can make sure that there is more control and more remuneration for the creative industries at the end of it, rather than less.”
Concerns Over National Insurance and Creative Industry
Conservative former minister Sir Desmond Swayne expressed concerns about the rise in employers’ national insurance and its potential impact on the creative industry. He suggested restoring Baroness Beeban Kidron’s amendment to the Data Bill as a way to support creatives.
Sir Chris explained that the amendment was removed from the Bill because it was deemed ineffective in providing financial support to creative industries. He emphasized the government's commitment to upholding copyright laws to protect creatives.
Charities and National Insurance
Shadow culture secretary Stuart Andrew raised the issue of national insurance bills affecting charities, questioning why they were not included in compensation plans. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy responded by highlighting the government's efforts to support charities through increased employment allowances.
Ms. Nandy refuted claims that charities were being neglected, stating that the government values and respects their contributions. She criticized previous remarks made by a Conservative charities minister and emphasized the current administration's dedication to supporting charities.