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Publishers Association applauds House of Lords Committee report on AI infringement -

The Publishers Association has welcomed a new report from the House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee that urges the government to take decisive action to protect rights holders from widespread infringement by Artificial Intelligence Large Language Models (LLMs).

The report, released today, highlights the urgent need for government intervention to address the exploitation of copyrighted works by LLMs, which often result in significant financial gains for tech firms. It emphasizes that the government cannot afford to remain passive while LLMs continue to utilize copyrighted material without permission or compensation.

Tech firms have been criticized for their unauthorized use of data and content, prompting the committee to call for definitive action to resolve copyright disputes, even if it requires legislative measures. The report advocates for increased transparency to allow rights holders to identify instances of unauthorized use of their work and suggests investing in new datasets to incentivize tech firms to obtain licensed content legitimately.

Dan Conway, CEO of the Publishers Association, commended the report's recognition that the benefits of AI should not come at the expense of violating copyright law. He stated, "It is not fair for tech firms to use rightsholders’ content for huge financial gain without permission or compensation."

Conway further expressed appreciation for the committee's alignment with the Publishers Association's key arguments, emphasizing the importance of protecting copyright-protected works, supporting licensing efforts, and ensuring transparency in digital content usage.

Acknowledging the significant role of AI in publishing, Conway emphasized the need for a balanced approach that respects the rights of creators and encourages responsible use of technology. He affirmed the Publishers Association's commitment to embracing the opportunities presented by AI while advocating for the protection of intellectual property rights.

The report serves as a crucial call to action for the government, signaling a pivotal moment in shaping the UK's approach to AI regulation and copyright enforcement. As discussions on AI and its impact on creative industries continue, the report underscores the importance of safeguarding the rights of content creators in the digital age.

Click here to read the original press release.

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