Artists’ Outcry Over Copyright Forms Backdrop to UK-OpenAI Talks

The revelation that the UK government discussed a massive deal with OpenAI comes at a time of significant outcry from artists over proposed copyright law changes. The talks to provide nationwide ChatGPT Plus access highlight the government’s close ties to an industry that creators fear is threatening their livelihoods.
Ministers have been heavily criticised by figures like Elton John for planning changes that would allow AI companies to train their models on copyrighted material without explicit permission. This policy, which is currently under review, is seen by many in the creative sector as a major concession to Big Tech at their expense.
Against this contentious backdrop, the news of a potential £2 billion partnership with OpenAI is likely to intensify artists’ concerns. It reinforces the perception that the government is prioritising the growth of the AI industry over the protection of intellectual property rights that form the bedrock of the UK’s creative economy.
While the ChatGPT deal did not proceed, the very fact it was discussed at a ministerial level sends a powerful signal. It suggests a deep alignment of interests between the government and AI developers, raising the stakes in the ongoing debate over how to balance technological innovation with the rights of creators.