The UK government's proposal to allow AI companies to train their models on copyrighted works has sparked significant controversy among creative rights advocates. The proposed exemption would permit tech companies to use copyrighted material freely unless creators explicitly opt out.

Publishers and creative industry leaders have strongly criticized the proposal, citing several key concerns:

• The Publishers Association calls the proposal "entirely untested and unevidenced"
• The UK creative sector, valued at £126 billion annually, could face significant risks
• Small and mid-sized creators may be particularly vulnerable to unfair practices
• News organizations argue it would allow AI firms to avoid proper compensation

Data protection minister Chris Bryant MP defends the proposal as a "win-win" solution, suggesting it could create new revenue streams through content licensing. However, industry leaders counter that:

• No objective case has been made for a new copyright exception
• No proven rights-reservation process exists globally
• The system would likely only benefit large rights holders
• Existing copyright frameworks should be strengthened instead

The government consultation will also explore the possibility of implementing a "right of personality" similar to the United States, protecting celebrities from unauthorized AI replication of their voice or likeness.

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