Data bill opposed by Sir Elton John and Dua Lipa finally passes

The UK has recently passed a significant law known as the Data Use and Access Bill, despite strong opposition from some of the country’s most famous artists, including Sir Elton John and Dua Lipa. These artists were concerned because the bill does not require technology companies to disclose when they use copyrighted material, such as music or art, to train artificial intelligence (AI) systems. They argued that without such rules, tech companies could freely use UK creative content without paying for it, which they believe amounts to large-scale theft. Sir Elton John described this as 'committing theft on a high scale. ' Alongside him, other well-known figures like Sir Paul McCartney also voiced their opposition to the government’s stance. The government, however, refused to include the amendment that would have forced tech companies to be transparent about their use of copyrighted material. They explained that a separate consultation on copyright is already underway and that a new AI bill is planned for the future. Critics of the amendment argued that imposing such restrictions could hinder the growth of the AI industry in the UK, potentially causing the country to fall behind in this fast-growing and profitable sector. This disagreement led to a month-long back-and-forth between the House of Commons and the House of Lords, the two parts of the UK Parliament. Eventually, the bill was passed without the amendment and will become law once it receives royal assent. Lord Berkeley, a composer and broadcaster involved in the discussions, said that they had done all they could and now it was up to the government and the Commons to listen to their concerns. The government welcomed the passing of the bill, stating that it aims to use data to boost the economy and improve various aspects of people’s lives, including health services and infrastructure. Beyond the AI debate, the bill includes several other important measures. For example, it introduces new rules allowing bereaved parents to access their deceased children’s data, makes it easier for NHS trusts to share patient information, and plans to create a 3D underground map of the UK’s pipes and cables to reduce accidents during roadworks. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology highlighted that these changes will save NHS workers and police over a million hours of administrative work, support grieving parents, and improve online safety by introducing new laws against deepfake abuse. Despite the bill’s passage, the controversy over AI and copyright remains unresolved. Baroness Kidron, a filmmaker who led the campaign for the amendment, described the government’s victory as a 'pyrrhic victory,' meaning they may have won the battle but lost more in the long run. She warned that the UK’s creative assets are being handed over to mostly US-based AI developers without proper compensation. Many in the creative industry remain determined to protect the UK’s £124 billion creative sector, fearing it is at risk if the government does not engage with their demands. Owen Meredith, chief executive of the News Media Association, which supported the Lords’ position, said the bill sends a clear message that the UK’s 2. 4 million creative workers will continue to fight to enforce copyright laws. Baroness Dido Harding also emphasized in the House of Lords that AI will change everything and that debates about it will continue in future legislation. Outside Parliament, artists protested with signs warning against AI stealing their music and creative work, showing the strong feelings this issue has stirred among the UK’s creative community.