Lords Stand Firm Against Government Over AI Bill to Protect Artists’ Copyright

Why the Lords Are Fighting for Creatives Against the New AI Bill

A government with a strong Commons majority is surprisingly at risk of losing a key piece of legislation: the Data (Use and Access) Bill, often called the “AI bill.” This bill is the first UK law specifically targeting artificial intelligence regulation. While it passed the Commons smoothly, it faces serious opposition in the House of Lords. The peers have rejected parts of the bill five times, and without compromise, the government may have to abandon it.

What’s Causing the Trouble?

The core issue is copyright and the rights of artists, writers, musicians, and journalists to protect and profit from their work. Big names like Elton John, Kate Bush, Damon Albarn, Dua Lipa, and Paul McCartney have joined forces to oppose AI companies “scraping” their creations. They argue this practice threatens their income and the creative sector itself.

This bill represents the biggest change to copyright and intellectual property law in decades. It effectively risks abolishing royalties without enough public debate or scrutiny.

Who’s Leading the Charge?

Baroness Beeban Kidron, a film director known for Bridget Jones’s Diary, has become a strong advocate for creatives in the Lords. She is pushing for amendments that would hold AI companies accountable for using copyrighted work.

What Are the Lords Demanding?

The peers want a simple amendment requiring AI companies to follow copyright rules and clearly disclose when and what creative content they use commercially. This “duty of transparency” would allow copyright holders to track the use of their work.

How Firm Are the Lords on This?

Extremely firm. Baroness Kidron has called the current situation “widespread theft” and criticized the government for offering no meaningful protection for creatives. She insists it is unfair and unjust to allow AI firms to exploit artists’ work without accountability.

Why Is the Government Holding Its Ground?

The government says it has made concessions and claims the bill does not weaken copyright law. However, many creatives strongly disagree. The bill also covers other important areas such as:

• Data preservation for bereaved parents
• New offences related to deepfake abuse
• Smart data initiatives like open banking
• Research frameworks for online safety

The government is attempting a middle course between a strict European approach and the US’s more hands-off policy, wary that upsetting American AI leaders could harm trade relations.

Can the Government Push the Bill Through Anyway?

Not easily. The deadlock between the Commons and Lords means the bill must be amended to satisfy both or it will stall. The resistance is unusual and tied to the bill starting in the Lords. The government could use the Parliament Act to override the Lords, but this would delay the law and damage trust with the creative community.

What’s Next?

A compromise seems likely, but with ongoing reforms to the House of Lords, the rebel peers might feel emboldened to continue resisting. Any delay gives the creative sector more time to organize and strengthen their campaign.

This battle is far from over, and creatives should stay informed as it will directly impact copyright, royalties, and the future of creative work in the AI era.

For creatives looking to enhance their skills in AI-related fields while protecting their work, consider exploring courses on Complete AI Training.