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 run a much-needed consultation on the issue of AI and copyright, acknowledging that the status quo cannot continue.

This consultation was 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.

The Government's consultation officially closed on 25 February 2025, however this remains a live and significant issue that it is still worth reaching out to your MP about. In the coming months the Government will publish its review on the consultation responses and a further plan of action. Whatever the outcome, this is likely to be a major area of parliamentary work for your MP over the course of the next year. You can see the ALCS submission to the consultation here. While the consultation is closed, it will still be worth contacting your MP about this to let them know your views on this matter.

As the government considers responses to its consultation, it is clear that the priority should be to ensure that current copyright laws are respected and enforceable. We welcome efforts by MPs to ensure this. Most recently, amendments NC 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, and NC 14 - tabled to the Data (Use and Access) Bill – would do just that, protecting creators by giving us meaningful transparency over what works AI firms have used. This will allow creators to identify copyright infringement and negotiate a fair deal with AI firms for the use of our content. Report Stage of the Bill will come early in May, and I ask you to sign and speak in support of these urgently needed amendments.

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.