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UK Designers Oppose Proposed Changes to Copyright Law Amid Concerns Over AI Regulation
A significant overhaul of copyright law in the UK faces strong opposition from a coalition of influential designers who warn that it may undermine the country’s celebrated design sector. The group, comprised of 35 prominent UK-based designers, has expressed their fears regarding proposed legislation that would allow artificial intelligence (AI) firms to utilize copyrighted materials for model training without obtaining the necessary permissions.
This proposal has already drawn sharp critique from various areas of the creative industries, including publishing, music, and film. Notable figures such as Sir Paul McCartney, Kate Bush, and Richard Osman have publicly opposed the legislative move, adding weight to the designers’ concerns.
The letter sent to technology secretary Peter Kyle includes signatures from respected names in British design, such as Sebastian Conran, Jasper Morrison, Tomoko Azumi, and Tom Dixon. The group urges the government to reconsider its stance and protect a sector that they believe has greatly contributed to the UK’s economy and international reputation.
Morrison, recognized as one of the most influential product designers today, along with Conran, head of Conran and Partners, and Sir David Chipperfield, a Pritzker Prize-winning architect, form a potent collective voice advocating for stronger copyright protections. The designers’ letter illustrates their deep investment in maintaining the integrity of a sector they believe is not sufficiently appreciated by governance.
Highlighting landmark achievements in design like the iconic red phone box, the London underground map, and innovative products such as the Apple iPhone—originally designed by Sir Jony Ive—the designers assert that their contributions to both aesthetic and functional realms are significant and should be safeguarded.
“We are alarmed by the lack of understanding displayed by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology towards our vital industry,” the letter asserts, indicating a disconnect between the government’s approach and the realities of a thriving creative sector.
The designers are concerned that by not enforcing stricter regulations on AI companies regarding copyright, the government may allow for exploitation of their creative works without due recompense. They emphasize that their profession is built upon a framework of copyright, intellectual property rights, and patents, which parallels the music industry’s reliance on similar structures for protection and advancement.
According to the controversial proposal, AI companies would gain broad access to various creative works unless copyright holders specifically opt out. Critics consider this opt-out system inequitable and impractical, as it places an undue burden on creators to actively protect their intellectual property. Furthermore, the government’s plan plans to ensure that AI developers disclose the content utilized for training their models.
Generative AI models—advanced tools such as ChatGPT and Midjourney—are trained on extensive datasets that include content from across the open web, incorporating everything from Wikipedia entries to articles and online books.
A spokesperson for the government defended the proposed changes, arguing that the current copyright framework limits the potential of the creative industries and the AI sector. “We aim for greater transparency from AI developers about the content they use,” the spokesperson stated. They assured that no final decisions would be made until a comprehensive plan that addresses all stakeholders is developed.
Source
www.theguardian.com