As UK policymakers consider regulations for the AI sector, Nick Clegg, the former deputy prime minister and ex-Meta executive, asserted that requiring artist consent could effectively “kill” the AI industry.
During an event promoting his latest book, Clegg emphasized that artists should have the option to opt out of having their work used for AI model training. However, he argued that obtaining consent prior to using their work is impractical.
“I believe the creative community seeks to take this further,” Clegg remarked, as reported by The Times. “Many argue that I can only train my AI on your content if I ask for permission first. To me, that seems somewhat unrealistic due to the vast amounts of data these systems require.”
“I honestly don’t see how one could ask everyone for permission beforehand. It just doesn’t seem feasible,” Clegg noted. “Moreover, if the UK implemented this while others did not, it would essentially eradicate the AI industry here overnight.”
These remarks come amidst ongoing discussions in Parliament regarding new legislation aimed at providing the creative sector with greater transparency regarding the use of their work by AI companies. A proposed amendment to the Data (Use and Access) Bill would mandate technology firms to reveal which copyrighted materials were utilized to train their AI models. Notable figures including Paul McCartney, Dua Lipa, Elton John, and Andrew Lloyd Webber are among the hundreds who signed an open letter earlier in May endorsing this amendment.
The amendment, put forth by Beeban Kidron, a film producer and director, has garnered varying levels of support. However, on Thursday, members of Parliament voted against the proposal, with technology secretary Peter Kyle stating that Britain’s economy requires both the AI and creative sectors to thrive.
Kidron and other advocates argue that implementing a transparency requirement would empower copyright enforcement and decrease the chances of AI companies “stealing” content if they are obligated to disclose the works that informed their models.
In an op-ed for the Guardian, Kidron asserted that “the fight isn’t over,” as the Data (Use and Access) Bill is set to return to the House of Lords in early June.
