The technology secretary said AI “lied” but defended its refusal to try and increase copyright protection amid concerns about high-tech companies to train models using creative materials.
Peter Kyle acknowledged that the technology was “not perfect” as the government insisted that it would never “sell” British artists’ rights downstream.
He also said he “erroneously” asked the rights holder to “opt out” of his preferred options in AI and materials that the copyright uses by high-tech companies, and that he has since said he has “returned to the drawings.”
Read more: Two businesses and thousands of stocks stolen within 24 hours
Read more: A complete list of people who can automatically get blue badges and how to apply
The minister faces backlash from key figures in the creative industry over his approach to copyright, with Sir Elton John describing the situation as an “existential issue” this week.
The government is trapped in conflict with the Senate, which requires artists to provide immediate copyright protection as a modification of their data (usage and access).
Peers have sought to change the law by adding their commitment to implementing transparency requirements aimed at allowing rights holders to see when their work was used.
When asked about the risks of AI producing unreliable information, Kyle said, “People need to understand that AI is not perfect and that AI lies because it is based on human characteristics.”
“Now, we’re getting more accurate as we move forward. It’s getting stronger as we move forward,” he told Trevor Phillips on Sky News Sunday morning.
“But like all technology that enters society, you can use it wisely by using it safely and understanding how it works.”
He added: “We’re going to legislate for future AI and balance it with the same laws we bring to modernize copyright law.”
The government says that more than 11,500 responses to discussions on the impact of AI do not brand “fragmented” laws and will address copyright issues after being reviewed.
Among the proposals was that tech companies could have free access to British music, films and books to train AI models without permission or payment.
Asked about the outlook for the opt-out clause, Kyle told the BBC’s Laura Quensberg program on Sunday:
“But I said this is my preferred option, and perhaps my preferred option more prominent than some of the creatives wanted. And now I’m back to the drawing board about it, as I’m listening to what people want.”
Last month, hundreds of stars, including Ir Elton, Ir Paul McCartney and Kate Bush, signed a joint letter to the star director of Ir Keel.
