Representatives from the Council of Music Makers, including the MU, at a UK Music demo on 7 May, raising concerns about generative AI's impact on creators’ rights and careers. Photo: ©UK Music.
Peers had passed the amendment to the Data (Use and Access) Bill to ensure that copyright holders could find out if their work had been used to train AI models.
The amendment was introduced by Baroness Kidron – who has directed films including Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason – and is backed by artists and organisations including the MU.
While the amendment was ultimately rejected, the MU understands that there are plans for a specific AI Bill.
It follows the government’s recent consultation on a copyright exception that would permit tech firms to use creative works – including songs and recordings – to train AI models for commercial purposes without any need for permission from, or payment to, the original creators or rights holders. The results of the consultation are expected in the next few weeks.
The MU will continue to lobby on its key asks for members, including consent, labelling and fair remuneration for musicians and creators.
Musicians and creators have widespread political and public support
Responding to the Data Bill, MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl said: “The Kidron Amendment may have fallen, but it has shown the depth and breadth for support for musicians and creative workers in the House of Lords and the wider public.
“We will be talking to the Secretary of State for Culture about essential, practical measures to protect our members' livelihoods. That must include stronger copyright protections and fair remuneration.
“This is an urgent issue - major labels and other rights holders won’t wait for legislation on consent or fair remuneration to make licensing deals, and it will be the musicians and music creators at the heart of our £7.6bn music industry who will lose out.”
Copyright is essential to the creative industries
Former Deputy Prime Minister and ex-Meta executive Nick Clegg recently claimed that the need for consent would "kill" the AI industry "overnight."
Watch the union's full response below.