Concerns are escalating regarding the future of Britain’s creative industries, which unions have identified as requiring stronger protections against emerging threats posed by artificial intelligence (AI). The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has voiced its worries, highlighting the sector’s significance as the “jewel in the crown” of the UK economy, amidst fears that without adequate safeguards, creative work may be at risk of being misappropriated.

This alert follows the launch of the “Make it Fair” campaign by the Daily Mail, several national newspapers, and prominent figures within the creative sectors. The campaign urges the Labour Government to reconsider its proposed modifications to copyright law that would shift the responsibility onto content creators to opt out of having their work used by large technology companies, instead of protecting their rights from the start.

The TUC issued a stern reminder that time is running out to uphold copyright law, warning against what they term the “theft” of creative work by “rapacious tech bosses.” They have called on ministers to intensify efforts to shield writers, artists, and journalists from a rapidly expanding technology sector that shows little regard for intellectual property.

As part of their demands, the TUC is advocating for the establishment of an AI taskforce. This task force would serve to unite creative workers and unions in order to implement protective measures that secure the future of the creative sector. Amongst their key requests, they are pushing for Big Tech firms to openly disclose whose work they are using, requiring clear citations and labels to differentiate between human-created and AI-generated content.

Additionally, the TUC proposes the introduction of an opt-in system whereby tech companies must obtain permission and consent from creators before using their work, and negotiate a fair price for its use. They stress the importance of ensuring that creative professionals are shielded from deceptive practices, such as deep fakes, and support the need for an independent regulator to supervise the deployment of AI technologies.

With the creative industry estimated to be worth £126 billion and employing approximately 2.4 million individuals—about seven per cent of the UK’s workforce—the stakes are high. Current copyright laws automatically protect the work of creators; however, the government’s proposed legal changes could potentially allow tech companies to bypass these protections, shifting the burden of vigilance onto artists and publishers.

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak emphasised the urgency of the situation, stating, “Writers, actors, performers, teachers, journalists and other creatives must have a say over how their work and image is used, and they must be paid fairly.” He reiterated the need for a collaborative effort involving creative workers, unions, technologists, and government to effectively manage the risks associated with AI, while also capitalising on the advancements it presents.

The TUC’s position underscores a critical moment for the future trajectory of the UK’s cultural sector, as government ministers face pressure to reevaluate their proposed changes to copyright law to safeguard the creative industries and maintain Britain’s status as a leading cultural powerhouse.

Source: Noah Wire Services