DACS welcome Lords report backing creators’ rights in AI and copyright inquiry
Last week, the House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee published its report on AI and copyright, expressing concerns over the impact to the creative industries.
In a new report published on Friday 6 March, the House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee concludes that the rapid development of generative AI poses a “clear and present danger” to creators, unless copyright law is properly upheld and enforced. The committee stresses that innovation in AI must not come at the expense of the UK’s world‑leading creative sector.
The report follows an extensive inquiry into large language models and generative AI, during which the committee heard oral and written evidence from creators, collecting societies, technology companies and legal experts. DACS played an active role in the inquiry, with Reema Selhi, Head of Policy and International at DACS, invited to give oral evidence to the committee in December.
Copyright uncertainty holding back licensing
A central concern highlighted in the report is the lack of transparency around how AI systems are trained and the resulting uncertainty for rightsholders seeking to license their work.
Giving evidence to the committee, Reema Selhi explained that when DACS approached image‑generating AI companies about entering into copyright licences, many were unwilling to engage and were waiting on updates from the government consultation.
The committee reflects this evidence in its conclusions, warning that ongoing policy uncertainty is actively preventing the development of fair and functional licensing models. Without clarity on how copyrighted works are being used, rightsholders are unable to make informed decisions or secure fair remuneration.
Reema also emphasised that access to information is essential for licensing to work in practice, telling the committee that rightsholders will only be able to license their works if they know the extent of use. The report echoes this concern, noting that transparency is a prerequisite for effective copyright compliance in AI development.
“Content deals” are not copyright licences
The committee also questions claims that the market is already delivering solutions through voluntary agreements between AI companies and content providers.
In her evidence, Reema Selhi warned that these arrangements were typically “content deals rather than copyright licences”, explaining that they often provide access to images or metadata but “this is not the same as a copyright licence that rightsholders benefit from”.
This distinction is reflected in the report’s findings, which stress that genuine copyright licensing – with clear terms, transparency and payment to creators – must not be confused with commercial access arrangements that bypass creators and their representatives.
Peers urge Government to put creators first
The report calls on the Government to provide clear leadership on copyright and AI by ensuring that existing copyright law is upheld and that rightsholders are not forced to opt out of copyright exceptions to safeguard their work.
The Committee also recommended the Government should close gaps in protection for identity, style and digital replicas by introducing new measures that protect creators and performers against harmful deepfakes.
What this means for creators
Whilst the committee’s findings echo similar concerns amongst those in the creative industry, it’s a positive move that shows clear support in the House of Lords for responsible AI development that respects visual creators and copyright law.
This sends a strong signal that creators’ rights should sit at the heart of AI policy. However, the Government’s response will be critical in determining whether these principles translate into meaningful protection in practice.
As the Government considers its next steps on AI and copyright, DACS will closely monitor developments and continue to press for a framework that enables innovation while ensuring that artists’ rights are respected, protected and fairly rewarded.
