The Data (Use and Access) Bill is set to pass, with no further amendments from Kidron, who had previously advocated for more transparency in the data collection process. The proposed changes would have required generative AI companies to inform stakeholders about their work being used to train large language models.
This would have created a new level of transparency, which many felt was necessary. However, despite Kidron’s efforts, these transparency measures were not added, and the bill is likely to pass without them.
Kidron’s Failed Push for Transparency
Kidron has been pushing for amendments that would have made generative AI companies more transparent about how they use data to train their systems. The proposed amendments required companies to notify stakeholders whose data was being used in the development of large language models, a move that would have added more transparency to how data is gathered and used.
Unfortunately, repeated efforts to pass these amendments between the House of Lords and the House of Commons have failed.
An opt-out measure was proposed, allowing stakeholders to opt-out of having their data used, but this option has been widely criticized. Many in the book publishing and other creative industries have expressed dissatisfaction with the effectiveness of the opt-out, feeling that it doesn’t do enough to protect their work.
The Impact on the Book and Creative Industries
For those in the book industry and other creative fields, the lack of transparency in the Data Bill is a significant concern. They had hoped the amendments would force generative AI companies to be more open about how they use creative work.
However, with the amendments not being included, the outcome is disappointing for many who were hoping for stronger protections.
Dan Conway, the CEO of the Publishers Association, is one of the key figures who has been vocal about the issues with the bill. He has been actively working to ensure that the concerns of the creative industries are heard.
Conway emphasized that while the bill is close to passing, the Publishers Association will continue to advocate for the sector in future discussions around data policy.
Dan Conway’s Commitment to Continued Advocacy
Despite the current outcome, Conway remains committed to the cause. In a recent comment, he reassured the industry that the Publishers Association would keep pushing for stronger protections in this area.
He also highlighted the importance of ongoing dialogue and stated that the association would be participating in the government’s recently announced working groups. Conway called this process a “marathon, not a sprint,” indicating that while this bill may be nearing completion, the work to protect creative industries is far from over.
The lack of transparency measures in the bill may have been a setback, but it has also fueled further advocacy. Conway and others in the creative industries are determined to keep the conversation going, hoping that future policies will address their concerns more effectively.
The Data (Use and Access) Bill is nearing approval, but it has left many in the creative industries disappointed. Kidron’s proposed amendments for increased transparency in the use of data by generative AI companies have been unsuccessful.
Despite this, the Publishers Association remains committed to fighting for stronger protections for the industry, continuing to engage in the ongoing discussions around data policy. While the bill may pass without significant changes, this is only the beginning of the conversation, and advocates for the creative industries will continue pushing for a fairer future.
