As the deadline for the Government’s consultation on AI and copyright approaches, Dan Conway, CEO of the Publishers Association, has voiced strong support for protecting the rights of the UK’s creative industries. Representing over 150 UK publishers, Conway’s comments underscore the urgent need for fair copyright practices in the age of AI technology.
Conway stressed the overwhelming support from the creative sector for robust copyright protection, noting the involvement of esteemed figures such as Booker, Grammy, Oscar, and Nobel laureates in calling for a fair hearing. “The extraordinary strength of support shown in recent weeks for copyright and our world-class creative industries is something the Government ignores at its peril,” Conway stated.
He further emphasized the economic importance of publishing, which contributes £11 billion to the UK economy, supports tens of thousands of highly skilled jobs, and plays a central role in both the creative industries and UK research and development. The sector, he added, is also an early adopter of AI, leveraging the technology to enhance learning and reading experiences for the future.
Conway’s message to the Government was clear: “The great copyright heist cannot go unchallenged. Big Tech must pay for the creative and research content they use to train AI, just as they pay for their electricity and other operational costs.” He called for urgent transparency regulations to ensure AI is used ethically and in a way that encourages growth while safeguarding those who contribute to the content.
The Publishers Association’s comments highlight the importance of fair trading practices and a balanced relationship with Big Tech. “The UK is a content superpower,” Conway concluded. “Encouraging partnership, rather than subservience, with Big Tech is key to fostering growth and delivering for the UK.”
The Government’s consultation on Copyright and AI closed 23:59 on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.
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