The CRA calls on the Government to protect human creativity in the age of generative AI

The value of human creativity must sit at the forefront of policymaking.  Technology is accelerating and being implemented at pace. Both the AI industry and the creative industries can thrive if we find ways to work together, respecting existing law. Equitable economic growth requires a consideration of issues around IP, ethics, accountability, and economics for creative human endeavour. 

In December 2024, the UK Government launched a consultation that proposed changes to copyright to allow an opt-out for training and a TDM exception that would allow tech companies unfettered access to content.

In our response on behalf of CRA members, who represent over 500,000 creators, we urged the Government not to risk the livelihoods of our world-leading creative industries, but to find ways of respecting the legal rights of creators, with safety and sustainability firmly in mind.

We called for three key measures to protect creators and performers:

1. Transparency measures

There is a significant challenge with copyright-protected works being unlawfully used to train AI systems both in the UK and in other jurisdictions, and all future changes must demonstrate transparency on how this data was sourced. Since AI systems can't "unlearn" copyright-protected content, compensation for infringements must consider the irreparable nature of this misuse.

2. Enforcement of copyright laws

The Government must work internationally to protect creators' economic and moral rights, strengthening our world leading existing copyright laws.  Clearer, more accessible routes for redress, such as a regulatory body with the ability to impose sanctions, are needed to protect rightsholders, particularly those without the financial means for costly legal action

3. Remuneration through licensing

The Creators’ Rights Alliance emphasises the vital importance of transparency measures concerning AI systems and copyright licensing. There are growing concerns from creators that the proposals benefit AI developers more than rightsholders, with key issues remaining around how content has been accessed and infringed.

We strongly believe that any new system should be opt-in and respect rightsholders' choice to refuse to license their works, should they not want it to be used to train AI.