House of Lords challenges government’s AI proposals

The UK government faced a significant setback in the House of Lords over its AI copyright plans, The Guardian reported. Peers backed an amendment to the data bill requiring AI companies to disclose which copyrighted materials they use in training their models. This marks the second time the upper house has demanded transparency from tech firms regarding the use of protected content.

The amendment, proposed by crossbench peer Beeban Kidron, passed with 272 votes to 125 despite government opposition. Kidron criticized the government’s approach, stating that creatives should not be forced to provide their work for free and then pay to use AI built on that work. She emphasized the economic and cultural importance of the creative sector, worth £120 billion to the UK.

The government’s current plan would allow AI firms to use copyrighted work unless creators explicitly opt out, a method critics argue is impractical. While the government insists new legislation is needed to support both the creative and tech industries, it is reviewing its approach. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology confirmed no decisions will be rushed until a practical solution is found. The bill now returns to the House of Commons for further consideration.