Hajra Naz
Unions have urged immediate action to safeguard workers in creative industries as artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve at a rapid pace.
Call for Stronger Protections for Creative Workers
“The Trades Union Congress (TUC) noted that there should be greater controls in place to defend “academic laborers” such as artists, writers, journalists, and teachers, and even researchers or professors.” The proposal claims that the modern government’s approach to AI and copyright regulation in question is reckless and unsatisfactory and desperate measures will need to be taken to avoid abuse of power.
Key Demands for AI Regulation
The TUC outlined several critical measures to ensure fair treatment of creative workers, including:
- Transparency in AI Training Data – Workers must be informed if their data, likeness, or work is being used.
- Opt-In Consent System – Creative work should not be used for AI training without explicit permission.
- Fair Compensation – Workers must be paid when their content contributes to AI model development.
- Independent AI Regulator – A regulatory body should oversee AI’s integration into work and society.
Risks of AI Exploitation
The TUC warned that without adequate oversight, large tech firms could exploit creative professionals for financial gain. Paul Nowak, the TUC’s general secretary, stressed the need for proper regulation to ensure that AI’s productivity benefits workers rather than harming them.
“UK law is failing to keep pace with rapid AI advancements. Writers, performers, and other creatives must have a say in how their work is used—and be paid fairly,” said Nowak.
He also called for the establishment of a taskforce comprising unions, technologists, and government representatives to mitigate risks and maximize AI’s potential benefits.
Equity Union and Writers’ Guild Speak Out
Paul Fleming, general secretary of the Equity union, criticized large tech firms for exploiting performers and artists.
“The industrial-scale theft of performers’ and artists’ work by big tech must stop. The government’s proposals threaten the entire industry,” he stated.
Emma Reeves, chair of the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain, highlighted how AI is already violating long-standing copyright protections.
“Writers’ work is being stolen on an industrial scale without permission or payment. Without stronger protections, big tech will continue to profit without sharing any revenue with creators,” she warned.
Reeves suggested that a voluntary licensing system could offer a fair and sustainable approach to AI training.
Government’s Response
Peter Kyle, the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology of the UK, has taken note of the issues raised, confirming that the government is working on the responses it received for its consultation on AI and copyright.
He assured that,
“No decision will be taken unless I am convinced that it safeguards the rights and rewards of creators.”
He said further that copyright AI specialists affirmative issues require settled answers before actual predictions are executed.
