Legal Scholars and Academics Warn Against UK’s Controversial AI Copyright Proposal
The UK government’s proposed reform to copyright law—aimed at enabling artificial intelligence (AI) companies to freely use copyrighted works unless explicitly denied by the creator—is drawing fierce criticism from legal experts and scholars.
Under the draft proposal, AI developers would be permitted to mine and train on copyrighted materials without prior authorization, unless the rights holder opts out. Legal scholars argue that this approach is likely to breach international agreements such as the Berne Convention and the World Trade Organization’s TRIPS Agreement, exposing the UK to potential international litigation and economic retaliation.
Academic institutions, including researchers at the University of Oxford, have also raised red flags. They warn that allowing unrestricted AI access to protected works could undermine the financial foundations of the creative industries. Instead of open use, they advocate for curated datasets and licensed access models that ensure fair compensation for creators and uphold the value of intellectual property.
This unfolding controversy highlights the growing global tension between AI innovation and the protection of human creativity. As the UK government moves forward with public consultations and impact assessments, many believe the outcome will set an important precedent for the future of copyright law in the age of generative AI.