The SAA is closely observing and participating in the conversation revolving around data, especially when this conversation has AI development as an objective, as it often involves copyrighted works under the encompassing ‘data’ category. While we understand the ambition of the European Commission in facilitating data sharing including at international level, we believe it is important to emphasise some issues for the interest of audiovisual authors, their works and the future of the audiovisual sector

On 25 February, the SAA submitted its response to the UK’s public consultation on copyright and artificial intelligence. The UK proposes to introduce an exception for AI training with the possibility of rights reservations, similar to the EU. We responded that an exception for AI training is far from helpful in achieving the UK’s (and the EU’s) objective of promoting innovation while protecting the creative sector. Collective licensing is the most acceptable solution.

In December 2024, the UK government opened a consultation on copyright and AI, in order to gather information from stakeholders “to deliver a copyright and AI framework that rewards human creativity, incentivises innovation and provides the legal certainty required for long-term growth in both sectors”.