The British government’s efforts to ease AI companies’ access to creative content hit a major roadblock on Monday, as the House of Lords voted in favor of stronger protections for content creators.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour administration had proposed a copyright exception under the Data (Use and Access) Bill, allowing generative AI companies to use certain works for model training without prior permission. The plan was met with strong opposition from the cultural sector.
Over 400 artists—including Paul McCartney, Elton John, and Dua Lipa—signed an open letter calling for the policy to be scrapped, arguing it would unfairly exploit creative works.
Baroness Beeban Kidron, who introduced the successful amendment, described the AI industry’s actions as “stealing some of the UK’s most valuable cultural and economic assets.” The amendment, passed by 272 votes to 125, requires AI firms to obtain permission from authors and disclose which works have been used, by whom, and when.
“Creators do not deny the value of AI,” Kidron said, “but we do deny the assertion that we should have to build AI for free, with our work, and then rent it back from those who stole it.”
The proposed exception would have applied to iconic and lucrative British cultural products—from the Harry Potter franchise to the voices of public figures and design IPs from across sectors.
However, Labour digital minister Maggie Jones warned that excessive obligations could deter AI firms from operating in the UK, potentially damaging innovation and economic growth.
Starmer’s broader goal is to position the UK as a global AI leader, with his government advocating for “flexible” regulation. The bill now heads back to the House of Commons for further scrutiny and possible revisions.
What you should know
The UK House of Lords has voted to block a proposed AI copyright exception, siding with content creators who argue AI firms shouldn’t use their work without permission.
The government’s push to boost AI innovation may now face delays as the bill returns to the House of Commons.
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