AI Training: The British House of Lords opposes the release of protected works
The UK government aims to release protected works for AI training, prompting objections. The House of Lords has consistently voted against this four times.
(Image: MR Gao/Shutterstock.com)
For the fourth time, the House of Lords has rejected a House of Commons bill to release copyright-protected works for AI training. With 221 votes to 116, the rejection on Wednesday was as clear-cut as the previous votes in June and May, but the criticism is becoming harsher. The film director and MP Beeban Kidron, who has been elevated to the nobility, said beforehand that she was "disappointed, frustrated and, to be honest, quite sad" to have to present her arguments again. What is planned here is nothing more than aiding and abetting "widespread theft". Despite requests, the government has not explained what is to be done to prevent content being stolen.
Labor government not willing to compromise
The British Labour government presented the plans at the end of last year and has already attracted a lot of criticism. A barrier regulation is intended to make it easier for AI companies such as OpenAI, Google, Meta & Co. to train their language models: Creative and rights holders would first have to actively object to prevent copyrighted works from being used for AI training. With its large majority in the House of Commons, the ruling Labour Party has since sent the bill to the House of Lords several times, where it has already been rejected four times. Labor does not have a majority there. However, this only has a suspensive effect.
Videos by heise
Just a few days ago, the former head of communications at the Meta Group caused a stir when he declared that the AI industry would be finished if it always had to ask for permission before AI training. However, he considers an opt-out, as envisaged by the British government, to be feasible. The sometimes massive criticism of the plans in the UK is also being led by artists. After the most recent vote in the House of Lords, singer Elton John assured that they would not be defeated, according to the Guardian. So far, however, it does not appear that the government is prepared to make any concessions.
(mho)
