UK ministers will delay implementation of proposed copyright rule changes that aimed to grant AI companies easier access to copyrighted media, according to people briefed on the government's planned response to a recent consultation. A person with knowledge of the internal discussions said, in direct terms, that "copyright is going to be kicked down the road."
The government had been preparing to publish its response to a two-month consultation on how AI firms should be allowed to use copyrighted material. That response was due within the next fortnight, but officials concluded that the consultation did not produce support for any of the specific models the government had put forward for AI access to copyrighted works.
Facing that lack of consensus, ministers decided to return to the drawing board. Two people briefed on the plans said the government will undertake further evidence-gathering and extend the consultation period to examine multiple options in greater depth. The move reflects a decision to take more time before committing to a policy path.
Those close to the process also indicated there is little expectation that the government will include an AI bill in the King’s Speech set for May. Instead, any decisions or new legislation stemming from the consultation are likely to be postponed until next year.
Observers involved in the internal discussions said officials had taken on board protests from the UK’s creative industries. Industry representatives raised concerns about the risk that AI models could copy and appropriate their copyrighted works, and those objections were a factor in the decision to slow the process.
The postponement leaves open the timing and shape of future UK rules on AI access to copyrighted content. For now, ministers intend to continue engaging with stakeholders and gathering additional evidence before selecting a model or drafting legislation.