Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Artificial Intelligence: Creative Sector

Thursday 16 November 2023 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial work includes developing a framework for AI regulation, including studying algorithmic bias.
  • Creative rights owners and platforms are discussing text and data mining through the IPO, which currently constitutes copyright infringement.
  • A creative sector vision was published with a 50 billion investment over five years to support the industry.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alex Sobel Labour (Co-op) Leeds Central and Headingley
Culture, Media & Sport Science & Technology
Context

The question arises from concerns about the representation and inclusion issues within the UK's creative sector.

Question

What assessment has been made of the potential impact of AI on under-represented groups in the creative industries?

Answer from John Whittingdale

There is ongoing work to develop a framework of regulation for AI, including studying algorithmic bias by the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation. However, no mention was made of a specific code of conduct or an AI Bill.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specifics on how the issue will be addressed through a code of conduct or whether an AI Bill is being considered

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Q2 Stuart McDonald SNP
Culture, Media & Sport Science & Technology
Context

The question stems from concerns raised by the Select Committee and the CEO of UK Music about AI's impact on artists' rights.

Question

Does the Minister confirm that the Government will not undermine artists and musicians by exempting AI data mining from copyright restrictions? The Select Committee has called for the abandonment of proposed exemptions, as described by UK Music's CEO as a 'green light to music laundering'.

Answer from John Whittingdale

Creative rights owners and platforms are in discussions through the IPO, but it has made clear that text and data mining will constitute copyright infringement unless permitted under licence or on exception.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No confirmation that the Government will abandon the proposal to exempt AI data mining from copyright restrictions

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Q3 Alex Sobel Labour (Co-op) Leeds Central and Headingley
Science & Technology
Context

The question addresses the Government's role in regulating AI to prevent bias reinforcement against under-represented groups.

Question

Does the Minister agree that unconscious biases in music, films and art against certain social groups will be reinforced when AI is trained on these materials? Will the Government use a code of conduct for copyright and AI to address this issue?

Answer from John Whittingdale

Algorithmic bias is being studied by the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation, but no specific commitment was made to address this through a code of conduct or AI Bill.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specifics on how the Government will ensure that AI companies take responsibility for algorithmic harm

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Q4 Thangam Debbonaire Lab
Culture, Media & Sport Science & Technology
Context

The question is prompted by concerns that the Government has not responded adequately to consultations or addressed issues in reports.

Question

People working in the creative industries have been let down, including on real concerns about AI's impact. The Government hasn't responded to their own consultation or a report on AI and the creative industries. What plan will they set out to protect creators?

Answer from John Whittingdale

A creative sector vision was published six months ago with an investment of £50 billion over five years. The impact of AI on creative industries is being studied, and more details will be provided before the end of the year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific timeline for addressing issues raised in consultations or reports

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Q5 Thangam Debbonaire Lab
Culture, Media & Sport Science & Technology
Context

The question is based on concerns about representation and growth in the creative sector, particularly regarding talent from diverse backgrounds.

Question

Thanks to resilience and hard work, people make the best joy and culture. The north represents only 15% of employment in the creative industries under the current government. What are they doing to protect and increase that diversity with AI advancements?

Answer from John Whittingdale

The Secretary of State met representatives from various sectors including the AI sector during a conference. AI is benefiting the creative industries through real opportunities.

Not addressed: Did not address how to protect and increase diversity specifically in relation to AI advancements

How: Changed Subject

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