Book trade leaders urge Starmer to protect creatives' rights from AI ahead of Trump visit

Publishing leaders urge Keir Starmer to protect creatives' rights from AI ahead of Trump visit

High-profile book industry figures and creative organisations have signed a letter urging Keir Starmer to safeguard artists' rights over their work as AI companies scale up data scraping and model training. Signatories include Pan Macmillan CEO Joanna Prior, IPG CEO Bridget Shine and the Society of Editors.

The message is simple: consent, credit and compensation should be the default whenever AI systems use creative work. The timing-before Donald Trump's UK visit-adds political pressure and visibility to an issue that directly affects how creators earn a living.

What they're asking for

• Consent-first licensing for any use of copyrighted material in AI training.
• Full transparency about datasets and training sources.
• Clear opt-in/opt-out mechanisms and robust enforcement.
• Fair compensation and attribution when creative work informs AI outputs.
• Labeling standards for AI-generated content to reduce market confusion.

Why this matters for creatives

Unlicensed AI training erodes value, attribution and bargaining power. Without consent and payment, your back catalogue becomes free fuel for products that can compete with you.

Transparent datasets and enforceable rights keep your work in your control. Clear standards also help clients understand what they're buying and why your human craft commands a premium.

What you can do now

• Audit your portfolio and metadata. Track where your work appears online and tighten permissions on platforms you control.
• Add AI clauses to contracts: define permitted uses, opt-out of dataset training, set licensing fees and require labeling of any AI usage.
• Register your works and keep dated source files. Good records make enforcement faster and cheaper.
• Join trade bodies and coalitions pushing for creator protections. Collective pressure moves policy.
• Educate clients. Provide a one-page policy on AI, usage rights and fair licensing options.

Policy watch

Expect renewed scrutiny of UK copyright law, text-and-data mining exceptions and AI transparency rules. Keep an eye on official guidance from the UK Intellectual Property Office for updates and consultations.

UK IPO: Artificial intelligence and IP

Skill up without giving up your rights

Understanding how AI tools work helps you negotiate smarter and protect your catalog. If you want structured, job-focused learning, explore practical training that keeps creators in control.

AI courses by job - Complete AI Training

Bottom line: Rights don't protect themselves. Push for consent-first rules, tighten your contracts and stay organised-so your work funds your future, not someone else's model.