Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Creative Industries: Artificial Intelligence

Thursday 17 October 2024 · 4 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Sarah Russell asked the Minister about recent discussions with creative industries regarding artificial intelligence, highlighting concerns over AI-generated deepfakes and their impact on individuals, especially women.
  • The Minister responded by acknowledging the importance of protecting artists' rights and addressing the issue of non-consensual intimate images, noting it is already a criminal offense to share such images without consent.
  • Jim Shannon inquired about the consideration given to the creative industries in Northern Ireland, stressing the need for similar attention, to which the Minister agreed to discuss the matter with their counterpart in Northern Ireland.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Sarah Russell Lab Congleton
Culture, Media & Sport Science & Technology
Context

The MP asked about recent discussions with representatives of the creative industries regarding artificial intelligence.

Question

What recent discussions have there been with representatives of the creative industries on artificial intelligence?

Answer from Chris Bryant

I have had many meetings with the creative industries, which have raised AI at every single one. I make it absolutely clear that human creativity deserves remuneration. Wherever we end up, the rights of artists, musicians, publishers and journalists need to be protected while we garner the significant benefits of artificial intelligence.

Answered
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Q2 Sarah Russell Lab Congleton
Culture, Media & Sport Women & Equalities
Context

The MP raised the issue of AI-generated deepfakes and their impact on women's reputations.

Question

AI-generated creations that mimic real people—deepfakes—can lead to financial and reputational damage for musicians and other creatives. However, as the domestic violence charity Refuge pointed out last year, the most common AI-generated deepfakes are non-consensual sexual depictions of women. How do the Government plan to ensure that creatives, as well as women and girls, are adequately protected from the misappropriation of their voice, image, name and likeness?

Answer from Chris Bryant

I am glad that my hon. Friend has raised this important issue that affects many people. In the words of Stephen Sondheim, “art isn't easy,” and neither is the legislation in this area, but we are determined to look into it. It is already a criminal offence to share an intimate image without consent, whether real or synthetically generated, and we will deliver on our manifesto commitment to ban the creation of sexually explicit deepfakes.

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Q3 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Northern Ireland Culture, Media & Sport Women & Equalities
Context

The MP asked if the government has had discussions with the relevant Minister in Northern Ireland to ensure similar protection as England.

Question

I am the real thing, Mr Speaker. The creative industries in Strangford and across Northern Ireland are very important. In responding to the point raised by the hon. Member for Congleton (Mrs Russell), it is important that Northern Ireland has similar consideration. Has the Minister had an opportunity to speak to the relevant Minister in the Northern Ireland Executive to ensure that anything that happens here to protect women and ladies also happens in Northern Ireland?

Answer from Chris Bryant

The hon. Gentleman makes a good point. Although some of the areas we are discussing are, of course, devolved, we want to make sure that the whole UK moves forward in the same direction. I am keen to talk to my counterpart in Northern Ireland about this subject.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not specify if a discussion has occurred or when it will occur.

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Q4 Luke Evans Con Hinckley and Bosworth
Culture, Media & Sport Science & Technology
Context

The MP expressed concerns about the Government's approach to intellectual property in relation to artificial intelligence.

Question

It is an honour to stand at the Dispatch Box for the first time, although I have to admit that it is not how I pictured it. I will do my best not to be a pain in your neck, Mr Speaker. In a nutshell, the creative industries are worried that the Government will essentially give away their intellectual property. I am pleased to hear the Minister's response, but the growing concerns were raised by the Chair of the Select Committee following comments by a Minister in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. With that in mind, will the Minister confirm that he will not give away IP through an exemption? Will he assure the House that he will not implement the EU's approach, given its flaws? Finally, will he commit to holding a summit between the tech and creative industries to explore licensing and other models?

Answer from Chris Bryant

It is absolutely essential that we protect intellectual property, which is one of the key things this country has to sell. We have already had two meetings with representatives from the creative industries and tech companies, and we are keen to move forward.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not confirm commitment or provide specific assurance on IP protection.

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