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New Writing North asks writers to respond on proposed AI act

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The government is trying to pass an act which will significantly change copyright laws. This act would mean that AI companies could use the work of writers, artists, musicians and all creatives, without permission or payment.

It’s an existential moment for artists and New Writing North is encouraging all writers and translators to respond to the government’s consultation on AI before the deadline of 25 February.

Writers, musicians and artists including Lee Hall, Jeanette Winterson, Kate Mosse, Richard Osman, Kate Bush, Sir Simon Rattle, Lord Lloyd Webber and 40,000 creatives recently signed a statement defending their right to invent, create, control and own their own work.

The government is planning to force creatives to proactively ‘opt-out’ of having their work used by the AI models that seek to replace them. This is in sharp contrast to the current law which is clear that AI firms must seek permission from – and compensate – creators for the use of their work. It is impossible for creators to effectively ‘opt out’ of having their work swallowed up by AI, and these untested and unevidenced plans spell disaster for the creative industries.

The government’s plans are predicated on the idea that degrading copyright will attract AI investment and spur economic growth. The House of Lords have just passed amendments on a cross-party basis that, instead of degrading copyright protections, would make existing law enforceable by compelling AI firms be completely transparent about how they copy creatives’ work, and what work they use. This will ensure creators can identify illegal use of their work and seek redress.

You can read speeches made in the Lords, by lawyers, scientists, writers, visual artists and journalists or watch it here.

We are asking you to stand with the hundreds of thousands of creatives and creative businesses in the Creative Rights in AI Coalition that support these amendments.

How you can make your voice heard

There are two ways you can make your voice heard:

  1. By submitting a response to the government consultation on the matter. The writer Lee Hall has drafted a letter which you can copy or tailor. Send it to [email protected] by 11.59pm on 25 February 2025.
  2. Write to your MP. You could either use the above drafted letter, or the suggested email on the Creative Rights in AI Coalition website.