18.03.2026: UK Music Chief Executive Tom Kiehl has welcomed the Government’s announcement that it has ditched plans to allow Artificial Intelligence (AI) firms use copyrighted works without permission.
The climbdown marks a major victory for UK Music and the thousands of campaigners from across the sector who opposed the change.
The Government had put forward controversial plans to change copyright rules to let AI firms “steal” copyrighted works without paying or seeking permission from music creators, writers and artists.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall today (March 18) confirmed that the plan is no longer the Government’s preferred option after an outcry from the industry, including music stars Sir Paul McCartney, Dua Lipa, Sir Elton John and many others.
Welcoming the Government confirmation that it has dropped the proposed Text and Data Mining Exception as its preferred approach, 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.
“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.
“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.
“We support the Government’s decision to push the reset button on the debate on AI and copyright. This now gives us the opportunity to engage in a more detailed discussion with the Government about key issues such as digital replicas, transparency, labelling and independent creatives.
“We will be working with the Government and our UK Music members to set a concrete timeline for Government action on this reset and what it means for the developing AI market. Our key priority remains championing the UK music industry and helping it continue to grow and coexist with AI firms in a fair marketplace.”
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