Creatives in talks with OpenAI, Amazon, Meta and others over copyright

Representatives of both sectors will meet in newly formed working groups to resolve ongoing disputes over AI and copyright.

Fierce debates over AI disregarding copyright have shadowed these companies every step of the way in their models' learning from original work.

Some debates have turned into campaigns led by industry titans like Elton John, Paul McCartney, Kate Bush, and others. Not to mention massive lawsuits against AI companies where the plaintiffs are industry giants such as Getty Images and The New York Times.

Both AI companies and creatives have been pressuring governments for more regulation in this field, with one side citing copyright laws and the other – fair-use practices.

The UK's Tech and Culture Departments have formed expert working groups with representatives from both sides. The discussions will be held “to help deliver a solution which will support AI innovation while ensuring robust protection for our creators and vibrant creative industries as part of the Plan for Change.”

The working groups include associations or companies representing big names like The Times, Walt Disney Studios, Warner Bros. Discovery, Sony Pictures Entertainment, OpenAI, Amazon, and Meta.

“I am determined to harness expert insights from across the debate as we work together to deliver a solution that brings the legal clarity our creative industries and AI sector badly need in the digital age,” said Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Peter Kyle.

The government hopes the creative industries and the AI sector can reach a mutual understanding on one of the most intensely debated issues in the field.

“We have heard loud and clear the concerns from the creative industries around AI and copyright, and these roundtables will give us another chance to consider the best way forward,” said Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy.

“We have committed to ensuring a copyright regime that values and protects human creativity, can be trusted, and unlocks new opportunities for innovation across the creative sector and wider economy.”

If successful, this initiative could establish a precedent for balancing AI innovation and creator rights.