NMA urges UK Government to rule out AI copyright exception as 95% demand licensing for training

NMA to Government: Rule Out AI Copyright Exception and Back Licensing

16/12/2025, 09:36

The News Media Association has responded to the Government's Statement of Progress on AI and copyright with a clear message: mandate licensing for AI training and put the copyright exception debate to bed.

As NMA Chief Executive Owen Meredith said: "The overwhelming response to the AI and copyright consultation - with 95 per cent of respondents unequivocally stating that copyright works must be licensed for AI training - gives the government a clear course of action."

He added: "The Secretary of State must now definitively rule out any new copyright exception, bringing an end to the uncertainty created by this prolonged process over the past year. This will send a clear message to AI developers that they must enter into licensing agreements with the UK's media and creative copyright owners, unlocking investment and strengthening the market for the high-quality content that is the most valuable ingredient in producing safe, trustworthy AI models."

Photograph: Supplied by the News Media Association.

Why this matters for government

• Policy clarity: A firm position against a new copyright exception removes uncertainty for departments, arm's-length bodies, and regulated sectors.
• Market signal: Licensing expectations set a clear operating model for AI developers interacting with public sector content and data.
• Risk management: Reduces legal exposure linked to unlicensed training and supports trustworthy AI objectives.
• Industry stability: Supports UK media and creative sectors that supply the content underpinning AI models.

What departments should do now

• Review policy and guidance: Align departmental AI policy notes with a licensing-first approach for copyrighted material.
• Update procurement: Require vendors to disclose training data sources and demonstrate licensing or permissions for copyrighted inputs.
• Map content exposure: Audit any departmental content that could be used for model training; define acceptable use and licensing terms.
• Engage stakeholders: Coordinate with IPO, DCMS, NMA, and sector bodies to standardise licensing frameworks and compliance checks.
• Set enforcement expectations: Build monitoring and contract remedies for unlicensed training into AI pilots and live services.

For reference, see the Government's Statement of Progress on AI and copyright on GOV.UK.

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The bottom line

The consultation feedback is clear. The Government can end uncertainty by ruling out a new exception and backing licensing. That choice supports innovation with clear rules, protects rights holders, and gives the public sector a cleaner path to deploy AI with confidence.