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UK Abandons AI Copyright Opt-Out, Says It Has No Preferred Option

Ministers will open new consultations on labelling AI content and tackling digital replicas to shape the next phase of policy.

Overview

  • The government’s Report on Copyright and AI confirms it has withdrawn its former plan to allow default training on copyrighted works with an opt-out for rightsholders.
  • Officials will examine potential requirements to label AI-generated content, with a taskforce to propose practical approaches for provenance and consumer protection.
  • A consultation this summer will address harms from unpermitted digital replicas of a person’s likeness or style, alongside work on creator control and support for independent creatives.
  • The plan includes exploring a Creative Content Exchange to facilitate licensing of cultural and creative assets, though detailed design remains to be set out.
  • Creative industry bodies welcomed the reversal and urged a licensing-first model with fair payment, while startup voices warned that the lack of a settled framework creates commercial uncertainty.