We have responded to the UK consultation on copyright and artificial intelligence. We argue that AI poses a serious threat to artists’ rights and that the proposed measures do not provide sufficient protection or fair compensation. Here is the essence of our response:
IAO opposes the proposed licensing model and opt-out system, arguing they are impractical and ineffective. Similar frameworks in the EU have failed to function properly. If an opt-out model is introduced, IAO demands an unwaivable right to fair remuneration, managed collectively and paid by AI companies to performers.
We support the principle that AI must not exploit performers’ rights without explicit consent and fair remuneration for past, Many AI companies have already used protected content without permission. IAO insists that any reform must include compensation for this prior misuse. Burdening artists with the responsibility of registering their works to prevent unauthorized AI use is unacceptable. International copyright treaties prohibit such formalities.
Sanctions for violations: AI companies that ignore opt-outs or infringe copyright should face strict legal consequences, including statutory damages.
Economic impact: IAO warns that unregulated AI will lead to income loss for artists, devaluation of creative content, and significant job losses in the music industry.
Transparency in AI training data: AI companies must be open about the sources used for training their models and comply with existing copyright laws.
IAO urges UK policymakers to prioritize fairness for artists by ensuring AI companies cannot exploit creative content without proper compensation and legal safeguards.
IAO President Nacho García Vega:
”In the UK, as in other territories such as the EU, the foundations are being laid for the legal framework that will govern the operation of AI in the coming years. Transparency, explicit consent from cultural creators to AI service providers that use their protected works to train AI models, as well as an appropriate remuneration system proportional to the benefit obtained from such services, are some of the general principles expressed by the IAO in its contribution to the consultation.”