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UK Book Industry Calls on Government to Accept AI Transparency Amendment in Data Bill
The book industry urges the government to accept a Data Bill amendment requiring tech firms to notify rights holders when their work trains AI. Passed in the Lords, it seeks transparency and enforcement by the ICO.
Industry Calls on Government to Accept Data Bill AI Amendment After Lords Approval
The book industry has united in urging the government to accept an amendment to the Data (Use and Access) Bill aimed at increasing transparency for rights holders when their work is used in AI training. This amendment, proposed by Baroness Beeban Kidron, recently passed in the House of Lords, requiring tech companies to notify rights holders if their copyrighted content is leveraged to train AI systems.
Despite its passage in the Lords, the amendment has faced rejection twice in the House of Commons. The most recent vote, held on 7th May, saw the amendment defeated 287 to 88 after reintroduction by Liberal Democrat MP Victoria Collins. It will now return to the Commons for another vote, maintaining its requirement for transparency enforcement by the Information Commissioner’s Office.
What the Amendment Means
- Tech companies must inform rights holders if their copyrighted works are used for AI training.
- The Information Commissioner’s Office will enforce these transparency provisions.
- The amendment aims to give creative industries visibility over AI use of their content.
The Creative Rights in AI Coalition, including the Booksellers Association, CILIP, and the Publishers Association, emphasized the need for these protections. They highlighted that 2.4 million UK citizens depend on creative industries for their livelihoods and stressed that transparency is crucial for integrating the UK into the global AI supply chain with a dynamic licensing market.
This amendment represents a straightforward step to protect creative rights in the AI era. It ensures that creators are acknowledged and informed, which is vital for maintaining trust and fairness as AI technologies become more prevalent.
For government officials, adopting this amendment would demonstrate support for the creative sector while balancing innovation with accountability. It aligns with broader goals of transparent AI practices and responsible data use.
More information on AI training and responsible data use can be found at Complete AI Training.