Peers Defy Government Over Copyright Protections in AI Legislation

Peers Defy Government Over Copyright Protections in AI Legislation
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The UK government suffered its fifth defeat in the House of Lords over controversial plans allowing artificial intelligence (AI) companies to train models using copyrighted material without explicit permission, The Guardian reported. On June 4, 2025, peers voted 221 to 116 in favor of an amendment demanding transparency from AI firms about the copyrighted works used for training.

The amendment, led by cross-bench peer and film director Beeban Kidron, aims to protect artists’ rights amid concerns of widespread unauthorized use of creative content. Kidron criticized the government for failing to provide meaningful copyright protections, calling the current situation “widespread theft” of creative work.

The government warned that rejecting its position risks the collapse of the broader Data Bill, which includes measures on data protection and online safety. Maggie Jones, Lords minister for digital economy, urged peers to reject the amendment to avoid shelving the bill, highlighting its economic benefits estimated at £10 billion and provisions against harmful deepfake images.

Despite last-minute government concessions promising faster publication of AI and copyright regulation reports, resistance remains strong. Supporters of the amendment include prominent artists like Elton John and Paul McCartney, who emphasize the existential threat to creative industries.

If the Commons refuses to accept the Lords’ demands, the bill faces rare “double insistence” status, potentially delaying legislation or forcing the government to invoke the Parliament Act to pass it in a future session.