Delay to guidelines on AI data and text mining

The UK government has delayed guidelines outlining rules on the training of AI models with copyrighted materials.

The delay follows talks between the UK Intellectual Property Office, representatives from AI companies and arts and news organisations, which were arranged to produce a code for the use of AI data and text mining, including the use of work copyrighted by creators.

The group failed to agree on a set of guidelines, with the responsibility now returning to the Department for Science Innovation and Technology.

The delay will likely concern parts of the creative industries. Leading organisations including UK Music and DACS are among those that have warned leading politicans against the use of unregulated AI and the negative impact such practices will have on creators and the creative industries.

In January, the UK government said it is prioritising the development of a regulatory framework for AI technologies.

The comment followed a report from the Culture, Media and Sport (CMS) Select Committee calling for a proposed AI copyright exemption to be scrapped to protect creatives.

A white paper setting out more AI proposals is expected to be published by the UK government in the coming days.