Ministers reconsider changes to copyright law after backlash

Ministers are rethinking changes to copyright law before a vote in parliament next week, in a further concession to artists, the Guardian has learned.

- Eleni Courea Dan Milmo

A source close to Peter Kyle, the technology secretary, said proposals to introduce an opt-out system of copyright rules were no longer his preferred option but one of several being given consideration.

The proposed changes, which would allow AI companies to train their models using copyrighted work without permission unless the owner opts out, have been criticised by creators and publishers. High-profile artists including Paul McCartney and Tom Stoppard have backed a campaign against the changes.

Kyle said: "We're listening to the consultation and we are absolutely determined to get this right. We're not going back to square one. We are moving forward. We can't pretend we can outlaw training in other countries who have their own copyright law, but we can build a system which works in the United Kingdom. Some elements of the consultation haven't even featured in the debate so far.

"We will be working hard to come up with practicable solutions to the very complex issue of how we enable both the creative industries and UK AI companies to flourish."