Performing arts leaders issue copyright warning over UK government's AI plans

More than 30 performing arts leaders in the UK, including the bosses of the National Theatre, Opera North and the Royal Albert Hall, have joined the chorus of creative industry concern about the government's plans to let artificial intelligence companies use artists' work without permission. They also urged the government to support the "moral and economic rights" of the creative community in music, dance, drama and opera. The 35 signatories of the statement include the chief executives of the Sadler's Wells dance theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Company, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and the Leeds Playhouse. The performing arts bosses added that they embraced advances in technology and were "participants" in innovation, but stated the government's plans risked undermining their ability to participate in the development and deployment of AI. Critics of the opt out plan have described it as unfair and impractical.