Nick Clegg says requiring artist permission would 'kill' UK's AI industry

Nick Clegg has warned lawmakers not to force AI companies to get consent before using creative work for training models. Speaking at a book launch, Meta’s former Global Affairs President and the UK’s deputy prime minister said such demands are unrealistic.

Nick Clegg’s take on AI companies asking for consent from artists

He supports giving artists a way to opt out, but believes preemptive consent would threaten the UK’s AI industry. According to The Times, Clegg said:

I think the creative community wants to go a step further. Quite a lot of voices say, “You can only train on my content, first ask.” I have to say that strikes me as somewhat implausible. These systems train on vast amounts of data. I just don’t know how you go around, asking everyone first.”

This isn’t the first time Nick Clegg’s stance on AI and regulation has drawn strong reactions from the creative sector. Many artists support new rules forcing AI developers to disclose which copyrighted works were used during training.

“I just don’t see how that would work,” continued Clegg. “And by the way, if you did it in Britain…and no one else did it, you would basically kill the AI industry in this country overnight.”

The comments come as Parliament debates a bill focused on AI and creative rights in the digital economy. An amendment to the Data (Use and Access) Bill would give artists transparency about how their work is used.

Supporters include Paul McCartney, Elton John, Dua Lipa, and Andrew Lloyd Webber, among many other UK creatives. They’ve all signed an open letter urging Parliament to pass stronger protections for writers, musicians, and designers.

Nick Clegg’s approach to AI regulation reflects industry concerns that overregulation could put Britain at a disadvantage. Still, many believe AI companies must find a way to work with creators, not around them.