Artists concerned by planned change to AI laws

Artists in Devon are expressing their concerns about proposed changes to copyright laws that could significantly impact their ability to protect their work. The government is considering new regulations that would allow companies using Artificial Intelligence, or AI, to utilize artists' content found online without needing to ask for permission. Sarah McIntyre, a talented author and illustrator based in Bovey Tracey, creates original artwork for her popular Adventure Mice books. Surrounded by her vibrant watercolour paintings and an array of art supplies, she is worried that these changes could be detrimental to her career and the livelihoods of many artists like her. The Devon Artist Network, a collective of local artists, has voiced its apprehension regarding the government's proposals. They argue that the new rules would undermine the fundamental rights of creators, who have always owned their work under British law. Sarah McIntyre stated, 'We've always owned our work, that's just a part of British law. I made this, it's mine and I can earn money from it, and if someone else copies it, then that's against the law. ' However, the proposed changes would require artists to actively opt out of having their work used to train AI systems, which many feel is an unfair burden. In response to these concerns, Sarah has reached out to Mel Stride, the Conservative MP for Central Devon, seeking his support in protecting the rights of artists. Stride acknowledged the potential benefits of AI for innovation and economic growth but emphasized the need to safeguard the creative industries from potential harm. He urged the government to reconsider its approach and ensure that the interests of artists are not compromised in the pursuit of technological advancement. Avenda Burnell Walsh, another member of the Devon Artist Network, echoed these sentiments, arguing that artists should not have to fight to protect their work. She likened the situation to her car parked on the street, stating, 'My car is parked on the road all night and day in the public domain, but I wouldn't expect to have to say to somebody legally you can't have this car, it's mine. ' This analogy highlights the absurdity of requiring artists to defend their rights to their own creations. On the other hand, some experts believe that AI could offer new opportunities for artists. Mike Phillips, a professor of interdisciplinary arts at the University of Plymouth, suggested that AI could be a valuable tool for tracking down copyright infringements. He stated, 'It would be nice if some of the effort put into ripping stuff off was put into tracking stuff down. ' By leveraging AI's capabilities to identify and recognize patterns, artists might be able to protect their work more effectively and even benefit from the technology. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has acknowledged the feedback received during the consultation process and stated that no final decisions have been made yet. They believe that the current copyright framework is hindering the creative industries and that a new approach is necessary to unlock the full potential of both the media and AI sectors. As the consultation period has closed, artists in Devon remain hopeful that their voices will be heard and that the government will take their concerns into account before implementing any changes to copyright laws.