+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


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 ......

Click here to view this blog post


That's One Small Step For A Coder, One Giant Leap For sBlogIt! Kind

While many people put their feet up over Easter and spent time with friends and family, my long weekend saw me at my desk, dunking Chocolate Hobnobs in my coffee, moving the sBlogIt! v2 project further along. And now we're at...

Click here to view this blog post


Business Networking for SaaS Founders

In the business world, networking is often the lifeblood that drives growth, partnerships, and innovation. For SaaS founders particularly, striking the right balance between cost-effective virtual networking and face-to-face ...

Click here to view this blog post


Artificial Intelligence: Supporting Our Progress, Not Replacing Our Potential

The deeper I dive into the world of Artificial Intelligence, the more I discover normally rational individuals who fear AI. Some even loathe it and believe it will replace the human workers and create a dystopian society .....

Click here to view this blog post


I feel the need, the need for coding! sBlogIt! V2 launches in May!

Well, I did plan on having a few months without coding, but finances told me otherwise. The cost of living crisis is getting out of hand, so I decided to do what I'm good at and create something new which I know people will s...

Click here to view this blog post


The Need for Human Oversight with Autonomous Weapons Systems

As artificial intelligence advances, the urgency for comprehensive human oversight in governing autonomous weapons systems (AWS) grows. Without regulation, the potential dangers may severely eclipse the bene...

Other bloggers you may like ...

Click here to view this blog post


Focus on the Positive Aspects of Your Life and Career for Lasting Success

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

Discover how to focus on the positive aspects of your life and career. By cultivating a mindset of gratitude, you can unlock greater fulfilment and su ...

Click here to view this blog post


Understanding the Implications of Failing to Pay the National Minimum Wage

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

What are the consequences of not adhering to the UK's National Minimum Wage laws? Not surprisingly, employers face significant penalties and damage to ...

Click here to view this blog post


6 Steps To Getting New Business When You're On Holiday

Posted by Jacky Sherman on https://www.jackysherman.com

Years ago, we were on holiday in Italy. Every day, when I sat by the pool, I'd see a man on a lounger deeply engrossed in his laptop. Every quarter of ...

Click here to view this blog post


Unlock Extra Income with the Rent A Room Scheme

Posted by Helen Beaumont on https://blog.essendontax.co.uk

By participating in the Rent A Room Scheme, you can effortlessly earn up to £7,500 a year tax-free. This applies whether you own your home or are simp ...

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