THE government must “play catch-up” in reforming outdated copyright and intellectual property (IP) laws to prevent original artists, musicians and writers becoming the “poor relations” of AI developers, MPs say in a report published today.

The Commons culture, media and sport committee calls for a “definitive deadline” to be set, after which the government would legislate to ensure artists, a third of whom are self-employed, receive fair compensation when their work is used by AI developers.

The MPs say: “We are concerned that the status quo simply favours AI developers, given creators’ concerns that their IP is already being used in AI development without licence or any practical means of recourse.”

Commitee chairwoman Dame Caroline Dinenage added: “Many of our talented actors, writers, composers and singers are failing to share in the global success of the UK’s creative industries as the sector struggles to navigate a perfect storm caused by everything from the emergence of AI through to the rapid changes in the way content is consumed.

“If creators are no longer to be the poor relations, the government needs to play catch-up by plugging the gaps in outdated copyright and intellectual property regulations and ensuring that there is a champion for the rights of freelancers, who make a vital contribution to their industries.”

There are fears that AI programmes such as ChatGPT will replace voiceover actors, animators and even live actors.

TUC lead on AI Mary Towers said: “We need new laws to ensure that all workers in the creative industries are consulted and properly compensated if their work and intellectual property is used by AI.

“We have already seen performers in the UK having their image, voice or likeness reproduced by AI technology without their consent. We can’t afford for this to become the norm.”