+44 (0) 7490 373980 447490373980 Book a 121 Donate!
     

Steffi Lewis | Blog

Turning coffee into code since 1993 ...

The Tug-of-War: AI vs Copyright and the Future of Creative Rights in the UK

Steffi Lewis

CREATED BY STEFFI LEWIS

Published: 06/06/2025 @ 09:00AM
#UKAIvsCopyright #CreativeSectorStandoff #ArtisticIntegrityDebate #ProtectingArtisticWorks #AIandCopyrightLegislation

The UK is witnessing a significant standoff over AI vs copyright holders where the creative sector is rallying against proposed legislation that could allow AI developers to access protected material without consent. This conflict raises vital questions about the future of artistic integrity ...

AI vs copyright, Machines create, but who owns? A battle for rights

AI vs copyright, Machines create, but who owns? A battle for rights

The heart of this conflict lies in the government's attempt to draft legislation that would enable artificial intelligence developers to access copyrighted material for training purposes without the artists' prior consent. This approach has provoked a fierce backlash from the creative community, drawing lines between technological freedom and the protection of artistic integrity.

The proposed Data (Use and Access) Bill has spurred intense debate within the Houses of Parliament!

It envisions a world where AI developers can freely use creative content, presuming a default 'opt-in' system for copyright holders. This presents a worrying narrative for artists, writers, and musicians, who feel that their livelihoods are at risk in an era dominated by AI technologies.

In the face of nearly 300 peers in the House of Lords opposing this approach, advocates for the creative sector argue for a more balanced framework, calling for transparency and accountability in how copyrighted materials are used.

One prominent figure in this discussion is Baroness Beeban Kidron, whose amendments to strengthen protections for creative content have gained traction yet faced resistance. She argues that failing to protect the output of UK creators equates to a form of “state-sanctioned theft”, a sentiment echoed by many within the creative industries.

The bill threatens to rearrange the landscape of creativity and job security, with potential repercussions stretching beyond the immediate concerns of the creative sector into broader societal implications.

At the crux of the AI vs copyright debate is the valuation of creative output in a digital age. The stark reality is that as AI technologies evolve, the line between originality and imitation becomes increasingly blurred. Developers currently rely on masses of data scraped from the internet, often without compensating the creators behind that content. This has sparked outrage from several high-profile artists who feel their work is being appropriated without recognition or remuneration.

The government, on the other hand, argues that overly restrictive measures could dampen innovation and stifle the burgeoning AI sector in the UK. Sir Nick Clegg, in support of the bill, warns that imposing stringent regulations could have detrimental effects on the growth of AI companies. Nevertheless, a clear consensus on how to navigate the intricate balancing act between fostering innovation and protecting artists remains elusive.

The AI vs copyright saga will undoubtedly shape
the future of our creative industries!

The stakes could not be higher as the clash between technological progress and creative rights unfolds, demanding a thoughtful resolution that respects and upholds the integrity of those who contribute to the cultural fabric of our society.

It's clear that finding a middle ground is crucial, but how we achieve that remains a complex puzzle yet to be solved.

Right now, neither side seems to be listening.

Love, light & logic ...

Steffi Lewis

STEFFI LEWIS
Independent UK SaaS Developer - Creator of YourPCM & sBlogIt!

Share the blog love ...

Share this to FacebookBuffer
Share this to FacebookFacebook
Share this to TwitterTwitter
Share this to Linkedin (popup window)Linkedin
Share this to Pinterest (popup window)Pinterest
Share this to WhatsApp (popup window)WhatsApp

#UKAIvsCopyright #CreativeSectorStandoff #ArtisticIntegrityDebate #ProtectingArtisticWorks #AIandCopyrightLegislation

About Steffi Lewis ...

Steffi Lewis 

Based in the charming village of Hanslope in Buckinghamshire, UK, I bring over 30 years of experience in web development. From creating my first website for the Open University in 1993, through being part of the dot com boom, to my explorations in SaaS and AI over the last few years, my journey has been a rich tapestry of web projects, big and small, both funded and bootstrapped.

Originally developed during the pandemic, at the start of 2025, I released the next iteration of YourPCM, version 2, which is all about 'Easy Contact Management for Small Business Owners'. Is it a CRM? Yes, but I don't call it that because people glaze over at the mention of such things. CRMs are boring, difficult to get to grips with, and it's a nightmare to get help when you need it. 

YourPCM is none of those things! It's simple to use, well-supported, feature rich and beautiful, right out of the box. It's available on a simple monthly subscription with no long-term tie-in. Book a demo or grab your own 14-working-day free trial and discover why YourPCM is all about easy contact management for small business owners. 

My head is in the cloud, my heart belongs to the web, and my soul is filled with such beautiful code 💗

More blog posts for you to enjoy ...

Click here to view this blog post


The Coder Girl Is Back And Working On A New sBlogIt! Chatbot

It's interesting how my coding process has developed over the years. Sometimes my inner coder girl happily works away for hours, days, weeks and months without a single whinge, but just recently she refused to come out and pl...

Click here to view this blog post


The Rise of AI Search and the Decline of SEO for Website Ranking

As AI search becomes increasingly popular, traditional SEO methods are struggling. Many companies report substantial decreases in web traffic because users now prefer asking AI directly. Adopting strategies that cater to AI s...

Click here to view this blog post


Sometimes Things Don't Go As Planned: The Universe Just Says No!

No battle plan survives contact with the enemy! It's an old adage that applies to my coding efforts over the past month or so. You start off with good intentions and a schedule, then the Universe says hang on a minute and giv...

Click here to view this blog post


The Great Filter: Is Artificial Intelligence Humanity's Ultimate Challenge?

The Great Filter theory, first proposed by economist Robin Hanson, posits that there exists a barrier preventing civilisations from evolving into advanced forms capable of colonising the galaxy. As humanity stands at the brin...

Click here to view this blog post


Time for a bit of coding, m'thinks; the YourPCM feature request list is calling!

Apart from a few small tweaks to sBlogIt! recently, I haven't really engaged with coding for the past few months. Even as someone whose entire purpose in life is to write beautiful code, sometimes you just have to unplug your...

Click here to view this blog post


Will AI Become Conscious? My thoughts on the Future of Machines

I use Artificial Intelligence all day, every day. It's baked into both YourPCM and sBlogIt! though I still oversee everything it does for me and my subscribers. But there's a pressing question that even I think about from tim...

Click here to view this blog post


sBlogIt! Version 2 Is Officially Signed Off As Done!

The long, hard slog is over. I've finished what I call the Test, Tweak and Twiddle phase of sBlogIt! V2 and I'm very pleased to sign off my upgraded done-for-you blogging platform as completed, once and for all ......

Click here to view this blog post


Universal Basic Income: A Vision for the Future in an AI-Driven Economy

AI technology is rapidly transforming industries, and Universal Basic Income presents a compelling solution to tackle the implications of mass automation. It can safeguard livelihoods while fostering an innovative economy ......

Other bloggers you may like ...

Click here to view this blog post


Exploring the Benefits of Serviced Accommodation: A Superior Choice for Travellers

Posted by Emily Freeman on https://blog.shortstay-mk.co.uk

Compared with a hotel room, our serviced accommodation offers enhanced comfort, privacy, and a lot of guest satisfaction. From the spaciousness of a w ...

Click here to view this blog post


Three Language Tips to Get More Interviews

Posted by Dave Cordle on https://blog.davecordle.co.uk

Language plays a pivotal role in shaping perceptions. To get more interviews, focus on phrasing that accentuates your achievements rather than your re ...

Click here to view this blog post


How Innovative Policies Can Boost UK Economic Growth

Posted by Roger Eddowes on https://blog.essendonaccounts.co.uk

In the face of recent disappointments in economic performance, various strategies are emerging that can effectively boost UK economic growth. Governme ...

Click here to view this blog post


Key Virtual Assistant Onboarding Tips For Your Business Success

Posted by Sarah Hannaford on https://blog.sarahpasolutions.co.uk

When you decide to bring a virtual assistant (VA) on board, it's crucial to recognise that they aren't just another cog in the machine; they are vital ...

Click here to discover sBlogIt! The done-for-you blogging service