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Data (Use and Access) Bill [Lords] 2025-05-07
07 May 2025
Lead MP
Chris Bryant
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Economy
Other Contributors: 75
At a Glance
Chris Bryant raised concerns about data (use and access) bill [lords] 2025-05-07 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The Secretary of State must prepare and publish an assessment of the economic impact in the UK of policy options described in section B.4 of the government’s recent consultation paper on Copyright and Artificial Intelligence within a period of 12 months after the Act is passed.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda
The clause requires the Secretary of State to prepare, publish, and lay before Parliament an assessment of the economic impact in the UK of policy options described in section B.4 of the government’s recent consultation paper on Copyright and Artificial Intelligence.
Chris Bryant
The new clause mandates that before the end of 12 months after the Act is passed, the Secretary of State must prepare an assessment of the economic impact in the UK of policy options described in section B.4 of the government’s recent consultation paper on Copyright and Artificial Intelligence.
Chris Bryant
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Minister began by explaining the context of his dual role in both the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and DSIT. He assured members that he would cover a wide range of topics including AI copyright issues, deepfakes, national underground assets register, smart data, and other minor technical amendments. He clarified that there is no opt-out clause in the bill regarding intellectual property related to artificial intelligence.
Maldon
Asked if Chris Bryant as a DSIT Minister would not forget his responsibilities for creative industries within DCMS. He expressed concerns about dual roles but was generally supportive, acknowledging the complexity of AI and copyright issues.
Chingford and Woodford Green
Responded to Chris Bryant's comments with encouragement for cross-party cooperation. He suggested that the right hon. Member for Maldon could consider joining the Labour party, though it was a light-hearted comment.
Pete Wishart
SNP
Perth and Kinross-shire
Urges the government to take action immediately on AI copyright issues due to the urgent nature of generative AI ingesting creative works without proper regulation. He calls for immediate legislative measures to address these concerns.
Reiterates that current UK law is robust and clear in terms of copyright, emphasising the need to legislate comprehensively rather than piecemeal. He also clarifies existing text and data mining exceptions for non-commercial research purposes.
Stella Creasy
Lab/Co-op
Walthamstow
Acknowledges the Minister's points but emphasises constituents' concerns about potential changes to copyright law through AI. She urges a clear commitment from the government that existing laws will remain robust and protect creative industries.
Harpenden and Berkhamsted
Challenges the Minister on technical solutions proposed by tech companies, suggesting these companies should lead on an opt-in system for creatives. She questions why it is hard for tech companies to implement such systems.
Alice Macdonald
Lab/Co-op
Norwich North
Intends to speak but her position not fully detailed in the provided transcript.
Battersea
Asked if the Government has outlined when they will respond to public consultation on AI regulations. She emphasises the need for clarity and certainty regarding the application of copyright law.
Jonathan Davies
Lab
Mid Derbyshire
Inquired about whether enforcement mechanisms for transparency would be compulsory or voluntary. He raises concerns over effective implementation and resource allocation.
Samantha Niblett
Lab
South Derbyshire
The Supreme Court ruling has left many trans people feeling hurt and unseen. She agrees with the shadow Minister that any ID and digital verification service must consider trans people, ensuring they are not forgotten.
Tonia Antoniazzi
Lab
Gower
Acknowledges the importance of implementing Sullivan report findings properly across all Departments and hopes to work with the Government on this issue.
Twickenham
Agrees with the points made about keeping children safe online but questions why new clause 19 only commits to a review of the digital age of consent and does not support Liberal Democrats' new clause that would raise the age from 13 to 16 immediately.
Cheltenham
Clarifies that what is being proposed is a review with a view to raising the digital age of consent, not a blanket ban on social media for under-16s as reported by some press.
Asks whether the Conservative party thinks the digital age of consent should rise from 13 to 16.
Ellen Roome
Not a Member, Campaigner
Campaign for Jools' law to address concerns about data retention in tragic circumstances.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Welcomes the Bill's aim of unlocking secure, efficient use of data but raises concerns over AI and copyright proposals giving too much power to tech platforms. Advocates for a supplier contract competition and transparency in scientific research data reuse exemptions. Calls for clear definitions of sex and gender in data collection.
David Davis
Con
Goole and Pocklington
Expresses concern over the involvement of Palantir, an organisation with origins in the American security state, in handling UK citizen data.
Henley and Thame
Supports raising the age of consent for processing personal data from 13 to 16, arguing that this would reduce smartphone addiction among children and improve their concentration and educational performance.
Asked about potential threats from AI providers to deny AI to the UK if they find regulations too difficult, indicating concerns over stifling innovation but also emphasising the importance of protecting British creativity.
Supported Victoria Collins' new clause 2 and urged for transparency in AI training data usage. He emphasised that there should be no technological barrier to having such transparency now.
Gosport
Supports new clauses 2-5 and 20, emphasising the importance of the UK's creative industries as an economic superpower and their intrinsic value. Debunks the false dichotomy between AI innovation and creative industry resistance, arguing for ethical AI usage without large-scale IP theft. New clause 2 requires compliance with copyright law for web crawler operations; new clauses 3-4 mandate transparency over who, what, why crawlers are used and data going into AI models. Supports enforcement mechanisms as outlined in new clause 5.
Reaffirms that creative industries embrace technology daily, not being resistant to it, and clarifies misconceptions about their stance on technological progress.
Observes that English language creators face greater risk due to the global reach of the language but supports legislative efforts despite difficulties.
No extracted contribution text available for this contributor yet.
Preet Kaur Gill
Lab/Co-op
Birmingham Edgbaston
Supports the Bill and speaks to new clauses 22 and 23, which aim to improve data collection for ethnic groups such as Sikhs and Jews. Emphasises the need for accurate ethnicity data collection in public services to address discrimination and health inequalities among these communities.
Supports amendment 10, which prevents the transfer of UK user data to jurisdictions where data rights cannot be enforced. Highlights risks associated with transferring personal data to regimes like China due to lack of legal protections and potential misuse for national security purposes.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rotherham
Mr. Bryant does not resile from his views just because he has become a Minister, and acknowledges that the points raised are already met by changes in the schedule to Article 45B.
Jon Trickett
Lab
Normanton and Hemsworth
Mr. Trickett tables new clause 18 about health and instituting a public interest test for data protection, highlighting the sensitivity of NHS databases and the threat posed by private interests seeking to monetise this data. He calls for guidance on whether any part of the NHS will be up for sale in trade deals with the US.
Edinburgh West
Ms Jardine raises concerns about new clause 21 regarding data on individuals’ sex at birth, emphasising the risk of breaching someone’s privacy if such information becomes public knowledge.
Mid Sussex
Speaks about a local author who is concerned about blatant theft by AI, supporting the idea that creative industries should be protected and valued in economic growth.
John McDonnell
Ind
Hayes and Harlington
Emphasises the importance of protecting journalists and photographers through copyright but also calls for openness and transparency. He notes the unity within the creative sector and its impact on journalism quality.
Polly Billington
Lab
East Thanet
Highlights the need for licensing arrangements to enable small creators to be paid, citing an example of tech companies' demands for free access to resources like the BBC archive.
Allison Gardner
Lab
Stoke-on-Trent South
Supports new clause 17 which mandates a report on the use of copyright works in AI development, noting its focus on developers from individuals to medium-sized businesses and calls for transparency.
Newcastle upon Tyne North
Discusses the importance of including granularity for copyright owners in a licensing system, emphasising the need to protect individual creators, microbusinesses, and small publishers. Expresses concern about personality rights and the potential impact on the quantity and quality of human-generated data.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda
Responds to Dr. McKinnell's concerns, affirming that there is an equal level of granularity for copyright owners in the report. Confirms that the report will explore the effects on individual creators and small publishers.
Cheltenham
Raises issues related to social media giants' policies after the tragic death of his constituent's son, Jools Roome. Proposes new clause 11 to address these challenges, emphasising the need for coroners and police forces to take proper action.
Jonathan Davies
Lab
Mid Derbyshire
The creative industries have seen faster growth than the overall UK economy, making them central to the industrial strategy. There is anxiety in these industries due to potential copyright issues and scraping without transparency or remuneration by AI companies. The Government's commitment to engage with creatives and implement protections after consultation is welcomed but must be expedited to avoid significant economic impact.
Supports new clauses 2-6 that aim to address copyright protection for creatives in the context of AI. The law as it currently stands should be enforced, and transparency is crucial so rights owners can identify breaches and take action. Urgent measures are needed now rather than waiting for a report in 12 months.
Iqbal Mohamed
Ind
Dewsbury and Batley
The existing law must be enforced, which requires transparency to identify breaches of copyright. New clause 2 is essential to ensure that rights owners can know when their material is being used illegally.
Speaker
Not specified in text
The speaker raised concerns about the potential trade deal which could relieve the burden of regulation on tech companies and mentioned the case for new clauses, emphasising that these amendments are supported by many MPs. He expressed a concern over the possible dilution of digital legislation such as the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024.
Jen Craft
Lab
Thurrock
Craft supports the Government's amendments and new clauses, particularly focusing on how AI infringes copyright laws. She provided a case study of her constituent Susan, an author whose work was used without permission to train AI systems. She highlighted the need for legislation to protect creative industries from unregulated use of their intellectual property by big tech companies.
Billington
Not specified in text
Ms Billington suggested that there should be territorial carve-outs similar to those protecting against deepfakes, arguing that illegal content created elsewhere should not be allowed in the UK to protect creative rights.
Vikki Slade
LD
Mid Dorset and North Poole
Slade discussed the importance of improving data protection for children and proposed amendments like lifting the age of consent for social media data collection and allowing bereaved parents access to their child’s social media content. She also criticised the idea that tech giants can scrape content without permission or payment, emphasising the need for transparency in AI usage.
Creasy
Not specified in text
Creasy indicated her intention to speak on four amendments, urging the Minister to reconsider two and fully oppose another. The specific details of these amendments were not provided within the given text.
Gosport
Encourages the Minister to review amendments on AI and copyright. Stresses that without new clause 2, existing copyright law will be insufficient against current technological challenges.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Supports the debate on protecting British creators from AI technology by emphasising the importance of adapting to rapidly advancing technologies.
Samantha Niblett
Con
South Derbyshire
Encourages the Minister to look again at amendments concerning AI and copyright, stressing the urgency of addressing technological advancements promptly.
Supports the debate on protecting British creators from AI technology by emphasising the importance of adapting to rapidly advancing technologies.
Vikki Slade
Con
Mid Dorset and North Poole
Opposes new clause 21, arguing that it is a targeting of the trans community which is deeply regressive and not an appropriate collection of data.
North Norfolk
Supports schedule 11 amendment to GDPR laws, argues for digital exclusion provisions, and emphasises the need to protect children from harmful content on social media platforms.
James Naish
Lab
Rushcliffe
Welcomes parts of the Bill but criticises its lack of addressing public sector data use failures. Supports Government amendment 16, emphasising careful consideration and robust evidence for AI and copyright intersection.
Sarah Olney
LD
Richmond Park
Supported new clauses aimed at raising the minimum age for social media data processing to 16, ensuring transparency in how AI systems are trained and providing rights holders more control over the use of their works. Raised concerns about mental health issues associated with social media use among young people and called on the Government to address these issues through regulation.
Alison Hume
Lab
Scarborough and Whitby
Welcomed new clauses 16 and 17, which aim to address transparency in AI usage and copyright protection for creators. Emphasised the need for immediate action to protect the creative industries from unregulated use of copyrighted material by AI companies.
Siân Berry
Green
Brighton Pavilion
Supported new clause 15, which aims to provide a dedicated complaints procedure for individuals including victims of modern slavery and domestic abuse. Highlighted the need for improved regulation around personal data handling by companies.
Alex Sobel
Lab/Co-op
Leeds Central and Headingley
Opposed new clause 21, which would mark individuals based on their sex at birth. Emphasised the importance of individual autonomy in defining one's gender identity.
Chris Hinchliff
Lab
North East Hertfordshire
Mr. Hinchliff agreed with the need for greater transparency in AI technology, stating that it should be used to improve lives rather than enrich wealthy corporations further.
Mr. Sobel reiterated his support for new clause 14 and amendment 10, emphasising the importance of data protection regulations like GDPR and the need for robust legal safeguards against data transfers to jurisdictions that do not provide equivalent protections.
Damian Hinds
Con
East Hampshire
Mr. Hinds highlighted the current minimum age of 13 for social media usage, questioning its adequacy due to developmental concerns and potential risks associated with adolescent use. He proposed raising this age to 16 while maintaining exemptions for essential services.
Mr. Mohamed agreed that self-regulation in industries such as social media often fails, advocating for stronger regulatory measures to protect users and ensure compliance with data protection laws.
South Devon
Ms. Voaden called for stricter provisions on children's online safety in the Bill, citing evidence of rising mental health issues among young social media users due to addictive content and exposure to harmful material.
Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe
Supports new clauses 1 and 2, emphasising protection of children from social media harms and the need for AI to comply with copyright laws.
Confirms agreement with new clauses 1 and 12; stresses the importance of protecting intellectual property rights for creators and ensuring data processing age is raised.
Damian Hinds
Con
East Hampshire
Asks the Minister to confirm that Ofcom's child safety codes focus on an age threshold of 18, addressing inappropriate content but not lowering the initial age minimum from 13.
Yeovil
Requests the Minister for more information or to give way during his speech.
Nadia Whittome
Lab
Nottingham East
Raises concerns about new clause 21, tabled by the Opposition, being an attack on trans people’s rights and privacy. The Minister reassures that the Government will not seek to introduce similar legislation.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda
MP Chris Bryant introduced New Clause 17 to mandate the Secretary of State to prepare a report on the use of copyright works in AI development within 12 months, considering various policy options and effects on stakeholders. The clause aims to address technical measures for controlling access to copyrighted materials used in training AI models, ensuring fair access for developers while protecting rights holders.
Victoria Collins
Lab
Swansea East
MP Victoria Collins proposed New Clause 1 to raise the age of consent for social media data processing from 13 to 16 years old, aiming to protect children's privacy and digital well-being. The clause exempts educational platforms and health services but imposes stricter regulations on commercial social networking sites.
Victoria Collins
Lab
Swansea East
MP Victoria Collins also proposed New Clause 2, requiring operators of web crawlers and AI models with UK links to comply fully with UK copyright law throughout the entire lifecycle of their AI systems. This would ensure that entities operating within the UK adhere strictly to existing legal frameworks.
Spencer
Lab
Nottingham East
MP Dr Spencer introduced New Clause 19, mandating a review into Article 8 of the GDPR concerning children's consent for data processing on social media platforms. The clause seeks to increase the digital age of consent from 13 to 16 and considers platform-specific restrictions based on evidence.
Supports amendments to the bill focusing on business data regulations, enabling third-party recipients of business data to publish or provide such data. Emphasises that this enables transparency and accountability in how business data is handled and used.
Munira Wilson
Lab
Croydon Central
Requests to give way from Munira Wilson to ask a question but is denied by Peter Kyle.
Alan Mak
Con
Havant
Opposition spokesperson, Alan Mak criticises Labour's handling of the Bill, arguing it has led to confusion and failure. He highlights issues in AI and copyright protection, sex and gender rights, and social media safety for children.
Government Response
Minister addressed various amendments to the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill, emphasising areas like AI copyright issues, deepfakes regulation, national underground assets register, smart data initiatives, and other minor technical adjustments. He clarified there was no opt-out clause regarding intellectual property for artificial intelligence in the bill. Reaffirms that current UK law remains robust and clarifies existing text and data mining exceptions. Proposes new clauses for comprehensive reporting on technical solutions, access to data for AI developers, transparency, and measures facilitating the licensing of copyright works for AI training. Commits to a full economic impact assessment within 12 months post-Royal Assent. The Minister detailed the consultation process, emphasising the need to consider personality rights, copyright application, and enforcement mechanisms for transparency requirements. He also committed to updating the House on progress made by a working group and responding to consultations. Reassures speakers about the government’s commitment to include a level of granularity for copyright owners in their report. Affirms that the report will consider effects on individual creators, microbusinesses, and small publishers. Also promises to ensure coroners understand both their powers and duties regarding access to digital data. The Minister outlines that the Online Safety Act sets a foundation for protecting children online with age checks and algorithm adjustments starting from July. He discusses further work on understanding smartphones and social media's impact, mentioning ongoing research by Dr Amy Orben of Cambridge University. The Secretary of State acknowledges contributions from Members and officials, emphasises the Bill's improvements to protect women and girls against deepfake intimate image offences. He outlines benefits such as a stronger economy and better public services.
Shadow Response
None
Shadow Response
The shadow Minister highlighted the need for legal certainty regarding copyright law application in AI use. He also acknowledged Government efforts on criminalising sexually explicit deepfake images but called for clearer statements to eliminate uncertainty among creatives. The new clause focuses on ensuring accurate data collection of biological sex and proposes a review to raise the digital age of consent from 13 to 16, considering the impact on children's social and educational development. The Government should do the work with a view to raising the age in 18 months unless there is evidence to prove otherwise. Responds to Government assurances about AI training, proposes new clause 19 focusing on protections for children, and clarifies that there is a need to think through the implementation of social media restrictions effectively. Opposition spokesperson criticises Labour for confusion and failure in handling the data bill, highlighting key issues like AI and copyright protection, sex and gender rights, and social media safety for children. Argues that the Bill takes Britain backwards.
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