UK Delays AI Regulation Amid Copyright Concerns
In a significant delay, UK ministers have postponed proposed regulations for artificial intelligence (AI) by at least a year, opting instead for a sweeping bill that aims to address safety and copyright issues associated with advanced technologies. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle announced plans for a "comprehensive" AI legislation, expected to emerge in the next parliamentary session, but not before the next King’s Speech, possibly slated for May 2026.
Initially, Labour intended to fast-track a narrowly-focused AI bill targeting large language models like ChatGPT. This proposed legislation was designed to mandate that companies submit their models for testing by the UK’s AI Security Institute amid fears of potential risks posed by advanced AI systems. However, the push for this bill has been sidelined as ministers express concerns that regulation could deter international AI firms from choosing the UK as a base.
The upcoming AI legislation is also expected to incorporate rules surrounding copyright, addressing tensions with the creative sector over the use of copyrighted material in AI training. Prominent figures such as Elton John and Paul McCartney have vocally opposed changes that could allow AI companies to utilize copyrighted works unless rights holders opt out. This pushback has gained traction in the House of Lords, where peers have backed amendments requiring disclosure of any copyrighted material used in training models.
Despite the backlash, Kyle has indicated a desire to explore solutions while maintaining that the current data bill is not the appropriate tool for these copyright discussions. As the government prepares to publish an economic impact assessment on these issues, calls for regulated oversight of AI continue to grow, with a recent survey indicating that 88% of the UK public believes in government intervention to prevent risky AI products from entering the market.
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