UK Unions Urge Action to Protect Creative Workers Amid AI Developments

Unions in the UK are calling for immediate action to safeguard workers in the creative industries as artificial intelligence (AI) technology rapidly evolves, The Guardian reported. The Trades Union Congress (TUC) emphasized the need for “proper guardrails” for artists, writers, journalists, teachers, and academics, urging the government to strengthen proposals on copyright and AI frameworks currently under consultation.

The TUC advocates for transparency regarding AI training data, an opt-in system to prevent unauthorized commercial data mining, and fair compensation for creative workers whose work is used to train AI models. TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak warned that without adequate regulation, “rapacious tech bosses” could exploit creative contributions, undermining the livelihoods of many.

Calls for an independent regulator to oversee AI integration have also emerged, with industry leaders expressing concern over the industrial-scale appropriation of creative work without permission or payment. Emma Reeves, chair of the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain, highlighted the urgent need for stronger protections against copyright infringements.

Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, stated that the government is reviewing feedback from its recent consultation on AI and copyright, emphasizing that any changes must prioritize the rights and rewards of creators. The unions stress that without proper protections, the future of the creative industries could be at risk.