UK government abandons plans to give AI models access to copyrighted music

The UK government has announced that it will not proceed with plans to give AI models access to copyrighted material following widespread backlash from the music industry. 

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall confirmed the decision in a statement today (March 18), claiming the government "has listened" to criticism of its plan to offer AI firms the option to train their models on copyrighted works with an "opt-out option".

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According to BBC News, Kendall insisted that the government has "engaged extensively" with both creative and AI industries to reach the decision, and believes it now must "take the time" to get its artificial intelligence policy right.

The government first shared its proposals to offer AI firms access to copyrighted works in December 2024, claiming current provisions under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 - which prohibits firms' use of said materials - are "limiting investment and innovation within the sector."

In early 2025, composer Max Richter delivered an impassioned speech while giving evidence to the Culture, Media, Sport and Science, Innovation and Technology select committee, stressing the importance of protecting human-made music.

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"When a massive banger floods the dancefloor with joyful people, it is because the artist who made it knows what joy feels like," he said, adding that the government's proposals for a large-scale "opt-out" system was "unfair and unworkable".

In June 2025, the amendment was passed by the House of Lords, despite a campaign from leading music industry figures such as Paul McCartney, Dua Lipa and Elton John, with the latter claiming that the law change would lead to AI firms "committing theft, thievery on a high scale".

In a statement shared with Mixmag, UK Music's Tom Kiehl said: “We’re delighted the government has scrapped what would have been a deeply damaging change to the use of copyrighted works. We urge them to go further and rule out resurrecting this plan throughout their period in office." 

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“It remains vitally important that the government does not now consider any kind of alternative copyright exception that would negatively impact creators and rightsholders in the music industry," he continues. 

“The 220,000 people in our sector, which generates £8 billion for the UK economy, should be entitled to work and earn a living without the constant fear that the fruits of their labour could effectively be taken by AI firms without payment or permission."

Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, follow her on X