The recent development of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) systems would not have been possible without the widespread unauthorised use of writers’ works to train these models. Writers are not only impacted by the potential devaluing of their labour as a result of AI models, their copyrighted works are also being used to train these models without permission, recognition or compensation. The Government has launched a much-needed consultation on the issue of AI and copyright, acknowledging that the status quo cannot continue.

This consultation is welcome, and its focus on the issue of transparency is encouraging, as any settlement will require transparency around which works have been used. However, we have significant concerns around their proposal for a copyright exception with an “opt-out” mechanism. This would place an unfair and unrealistic burden on individual writers to monitor and enforce their intellectual property rights. The binary nature of opt-outs also limits writers’ ability to monetise their works, for example through a licensing model, if that is what they choose.

If you’d like to fill in the consultation, you can find guidance on the ALCS website and a link to the consultation.

We believe the establishment of a licensing market for any future uses of writers’ works is the best way to ensure technological development and economic growth without undermining the rights and livelihoods of UK creatives. It is vital that writers have real choice in whether and how their works are used, and that this choice is informed by greater transparency.

Please write to your MP using the template provided to ensure the needs of writers are at the forefront of legislators’ minds.