Boost for artists in AI copyright battle as only 3% back UK active opt-out plan

A campaign fronted by popstars including Elton John and Dua Lipa to protect artists' works from being mined to train AI models without consent has received a boost after almost every respondent to a government consultation backed their case. Ministers subsequently dropped that preference in the face of a backlash. Liz Kendall, the secretary of state for science, innovation and technology, told parliament on Monday there was "no clear consensus" on the issue and the government would "take the time to get this right", and promised to make policy proposals by 18 March 2026. "This means keeping the UK at the cutting edge of science and technology so UK citizens can benefit from major breakthroughs, transformative innovation and greater prosperity. "It also means continuing to support our creative industries, which make a huge economic contribution, shape our national identity and give us a unique position on the world stage."