Data (Use and Access) Bill: copyright and AI amendments
techUK Responds to Copyright and AI Amendments
This briefing outlines techUK’s position on the copyright and AI amendments introduced by the House of Lords to the Data (Use and Access) Bill. These proposals would radically expand UK copyright law in an unworkable and legally uncertain way - going far beyond existing frameworks and the Government’s own consultation. Introducing such far-reaching changes without proper scrutiny is highly concerning and risks creating serious barriers to AI innovation, with negative consequences for the UK’s economy and global competitiveness in AI development.
Copyright and AI amendments
The Lords amendments included a range of unprecedented obligations relating to the development and operation of AI models and web crawlers, such as extraterritorial provisions that would extend these provisions to regulate AI models and web crawlers regardless of where they are developed or trained; and transparency obligations, including monthly disclosures of every URL accessed and dataset used, and their provenance. We set out our concerns below:
Radical departure from existing UK and international copyright frameworks: The proposed changes represent an extreme departure from both UK copyright law and global copyright norms. They risk establishing one of the most restrictive frameworks globally and go far beyond any of the proposals currently under consideration in the Government’s copyright consultation.
Operationally unworkable and would create legal uncertainty: The practical implementation of the proposed requirements would be extremely challenging, if not impossible, creating significant legal uncertainty. For example, the obligation to disclose detailed data inputs – including datasets and URLs used in training and deployment – raises serious questions around feasibility, particularly at scale. Some provisions also reflect a misunderstanding of how modern web infrastructure and search engines operate, including assumptions about the control and tracking of bots or crawlers used to collect data. These kinds of obligations would be difficult to implement in practice and could create conflicts with existing technical standards and global practices.
Similarly, the amendments relating to extraterritorial provisions would create significant uncertainty regarding technical operations essential to the internet's functioning, with organisations facing severe conflicts of law across jurisdictions. On a broader scale, applying national copyright law extraterritorially undermines the purpose of copyright law itself and raises concerns under international treaty obligations. This approach could effectively act as a trade barrier, creating legal and commercial risks for AI development undertaken outside the UK, even where such development is lawful under local rules.
As a result, many companies would be discouraged from operating, training and deploying AI products and models in the UK, undermining the Government's ambition to make Britain a global AI hub and threatening our economic growth potential.
Bypassing proper process and creating an unbalanced framework: Given these severe implications, it is particularly concerning that these amendments attempt to circumvent and at some point, contradict the Government's ongoing work on AI and copyright. Changes of this magnitude should be considered through a dedicated process, with expert consultation and parliamentary scrutiny – not rushed amendments to another Bill in its latter stages. Legislating in haste, without due evidence or stakeholder input, risks damaging the UK’s reputation for pragmatic and innovation-friendly regulation.
We have strong concerns that, if enacted, these amendments would have significant negative consequences for AI development and use/deployment, digital innovation, and the national economic interest.
Rejecting the false dichotomy: the vital partnership of AI and human creativity
The debate around AI and copyright is often framed as a zero-sum contest between technology and human creativity – but this false choice is not just inaccurate, but potentially harmful for the UK’s future.
AI, in and of itself, is an example of human creativity and ingenuity, born out of our innate desire to innovate and improve the world. It is also a tool that can be used in creative ways by humans. The UK’s history demonstrates that technological advancements do not replace human ingenuity – they amplify it. The printing press, photography, and digital tools each expanded artistic expression and unlocked new opportunities.
AI follows the same pattern. It is already embedded in creative industries, streamlining repetitive tasks, generating new possibilities, and opening markets. A 2023 survey by It’s Nice That found that 83% of creative professionals use AI tools, with nearly half (49%) using them weekly. Many creatives are embracing AI as a tool for production and efficiency, rather than rejecting it.
The creative sector is highly diverse, encompassing industries with different relationships to AI. While some rightsholders have raised concerns, others – particularly in gaming, digital design, and CGI – rely on AI as a fundamental tool for innovation and growth. Any policy changes should reflect this diversity rather than treating the sector as a single, uniform voice.
The boundary between "tech" and "creative" industries has already blurred, with technology services now accounting for over 40% of creative industry jobs and almost 40% of the sector’s GVA (House of Lords, 2025). Some news publishers have struck licensing deals with AI companies, demonstrating that collaboration is possible.
The economic consequences of getting this wrong are staggering. The AI sector generates £14 billion in revenue, £5.8 billion in GVA, and supports 64,500 jobs in AI-related roles (GOV.UK, 2024) – figures that continue to grow. As part of the broader £1 trillion technology sector (HSBC Innovation Banking UK and Dealroom, 2025) AI, by 2035, could add an astonishing £550 billion to our GDP and transform everything from healthcare to climate science (Microsoft and Public First, 2024). Yet research warns that copyright rules that significantly constrain AI development could cost the UK economy £182 billion over 20 years (UK Day One, 2025). Yet AI’s most profound applications are deeply human in their benefits:
Saving lives through early diagnosis – AI detects diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s years earlier, improving survival rates;
Restoring speech – AI-powered synthesis helps individuals with motor neuron disease or throat cancer communicate again, while AI-driven brain decoding translates brain activity into text, offering new hope for those who have lost speech entirely;
Predicting disasters, protecting communities – AI models forecast hurricanes, wildfires, and floods with unprecedented accuracy;
Preserving cultural heritage – AI helps restore lost manuscripts, reconstruct ancient languages, and revive voices of long-silenced artists.
The Lords amendments create a false choice between AI and creativity. We urge the Parliament to reject this unbalanced approach and work toward a framework that protects both AI innovation and creators’ rights.
Commenting on the UK government’s Data (Use and Access) Bill: Copyright and AI Amendments, techUK’s Deputy CEO, Antony Walker said:
As the Data (Use and Access) Bill reaches its final stages, we are deeply concerned by attempts to use this legislation to make piecemeal, late-stage amendments on AI and Copyright. This is not a copyright bill, and it is fundamentally the wrong vehicle for legislating on such a complex and contested issue.
AI and copyright is a complex area that requires proper consultation and due scrutiny. The Government has conducted a consultation on this issue that has generated substantial feedback. It should be given time to consider the consultation responses and develop a comprehensive proposal for a way forward that can meet the needs of the tech and creative sectors, as well as the wider UK economy. The Government has committed to publishing an economic impact assessment and exploring policy key policy options relating to standards, transparency, and licensing. That work must be allowed to proceed.
We urge Parliament to give the Government the space to develop a balanced, workable solution – one that protects rights, enables innovation, and reflects the interests of the whole economy
techUK remains committed to supporting a legislative framework that achieves this.
Audre Verseckaite
Senior Policy Manager, Data & AI, techUK
Audre joined techUK in July 2023 as a Policy Manager for Data. Previously, she was a Policy Advisor in the Civil Service, where she worked on the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, and at HM Treasury on designing COVID-19 support schemes and delivering the Financial Services and Markets Bill. Before that, Audre worked at a public relations consultancy, advising public and private sector clients on their communications, public relations, and government affairs strategy.
Prior to this, Audre completed an MSc in Public Policy at the Korea Development Institute and a Bachelor's in International Relations and History from SOAS, University of London. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, learning about new cultures through travel and food, and going on adventures.
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Antony Walker is deputy CEO of techUK, which he played a lead role in launching in November 2013.
Antony is a member of the senior leadership team and has overall responsibility for techUK’s policy work. Prior to his appointment in July 2012 Antony was chief executive of the Broadband Stakeholder Group (BSG), the UK’s independent advisory group on broadband policy. Antony was closely involved in the development of broadband policy development in the UK since the BSG was established in 2001 and authored several major reports to government. He also led the development of the UK’s world leading Open Internet Code of Practice that addresses the issue of net neutrality in the UK. Prior to setting up the BSG, Antony spent six years working in Brussels for the American Chamber of Commerce following and writing about telecoms issues and as a consultant working on EU social affairs and environmental issues. Antony is a graduate of Aberdeen University and KU Leuven and is also a Policy Fellow Alumni of the Centre for Science and Policy at Cambridge University.
As Head of Public Affairs, Alice supports techUK’s strategic engagement with Westminster, Whitehall and beyond. She regularly works to engage with ministers, members of the UK’s parliaments and senior civil servants on techUK’s work advocating for the role of technology in the UK’s economy as well as wider society.
Alice joined techUK in 2022. She has experience working at both a political monitoring company, leading on the tech, media and telecoms portfolio there, and also as an account manager in a Westminster-based public affairs agency. She has a degree from the University of Sheffield in Politics and Philosophy.
Edward leads the Digital Economy programme at techUK, which includes our work on online safety, fraud, and regulation for growth initiatives.
He has prior experience working for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and has previously worked for a number of public affairs consultancies specialising in research and strategy, working with leading clients in the technology and financial services sectors.
Samiah Anderson is the Head of Digital Regulation at techUK.
With over six years of Government Affairs expertise, Samiah has built a solid reputation as a tech policy specialist, engaging regularly with UK Government Ministers, senior civil servants and UK Parliamentarians.
Before joining techUK, Samiah led several public affairs functions for international tech firms and coalitions at Burson Global (formerly Hill & Knowlton), delivering CEO-level strategic counsel on political, legislative, and regulatory issues in the UK, EU, US, China, India, and Japan. She is adept at mobilising multinational companies and industry associations, focusing on cross-cutting digital regulatory issues such as competition, artificial intelligence, and more.
She holds a BA (Hons) in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from the University of London, where she founded the New School Economics Society, the Goldsmiths University chapter of Rethinking Economics.
Audre joined techUK in July 2023 as a Policy Manager for Data. Previously, she was a Policy Advisor in the Civil Service, where she worked on the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, and at HM Treasury on designing COVID-19 support schemes and delivering the Financial Services and Markets Bill. Before that, Audre worked at a public relations consultancy, advising public and private sector clients on their communications, public relations, and government affairs strategy.
Prior to this, Audre completed an MSc in Public Policy at the Korea Development Institute and a Bachelor's in International Relations and History from SOAS, University of London. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, learning about new cultures through travel and food, and going on adventures.
Mia focuses on shaping a policy environment that fosters the expansion of the UK tech sector while maximising the transformative potential of technology across all industries.
Prior to joining techUK, Mia worked as a Senior Policy Adviser at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) within the Policy Unit.
Mia holds an MSc in International Development from the University of Manchester and a BA(Hons) in Politics and International Relations from the University of Nottingham.
Archie Breare joined techUK in September 2022 as the Telecoms Programme intern, and moved into the Policy and Public Affairs team in February 2023.
Before starting at techUK, Archie was a student at the University of Cambridge, completing an undergraduate degree in History and a master's degree in Modern British History.
In his spare time, he likes to read, discuss current affairs, and to try and persuade himself to cycle more.
Dani joined techUK in February 2025 as a Policy Manager in the Digital Regulation team.
Prior to this, Dani worked in political monitoring where she was a consultant for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. In this role, she developed a strong understanding of parliamentary procedure, closely following all of the major developments in the tech centre and working with several key stakeholders and regulators.
She has an undergraduate degree in History from the University of Bristol and an MPhil in Modern European History from the University of Cambridge.
Outside of tech, Dani has a strong interest in addiction policy, particularly towards drugs, having written her dissertation on the topic as well as several subsequent research projects. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and following all things motoring, whether that be F1, MotoGP or Formula E.
Oliver is the team assistant for the Policy and Public Affairs teams, joining techUK in November of 2023. He assists the teams admistrative support, communication, and event production.
Prior to working at techUK, Oliver studied at Swansea and Bristol universities, attaining a masters in Policy Research. During this time he competed in debating competitions around the country where he discussed and deliberated various policy issues. Between his studies Oliver acted as a student assistant in mental health research for the SMaRteN student network.
Tess joined techUK as an Policy and Public Affairs Team Assistant in November of 2024. In this role, she supports areas such as administration, member communications and media content.
Before joining the Team, she gained experience working as an Intern in both campaign support for MPs and Councilors during the Local and General Election and working for the Casimir Pulaski Foundation. As well as working for multiple charities on issues such as the climate crisis, educational inequality and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). Tess obtained her Bachelors of Arts in Politics and International Relations from University of Nottingham.
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