British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has declared his Labour government’s backing for compensating news publishers when their content is used in artificial intelligence (AI) applications. He articulated this stance in an article for the News Media Association (NMA), coinciding with the start of the ‘Journalism Matters’ week, an annual event by the trade body representing the United Kingdom’s news media organisations.
Starmer emphasised that both AI and the creative sectors, including news and media, are pivotal to the government’s mission for economic growth. He highlighted the collaboration with these sectors to balance industrial policy, acknowledging the principle that publishers deserve control and compensation for their work, especially concerning AI’s role.
The Labour leader linked this principle to the ongoing implementation of the Digital Markets and Consumers Act. This significant legislation aims to address the imbalance between platforms and publishers, who depend on these platforms.
“Journalism is the lifeblood of British democracy. My government will protect it” by Keir Starmer “We recognise the basic principle that #publishers should have control over and seek payment for their work, including when thinking about the role of #AI. https://t.co/5YFfEbn5bl
— Angela Mills Wade (@epc_angela) October 28, 2024
Earlier this month, Starmer endorsed AI as a tool crucial for Britain’s future but urged caution regarding digital technology’s expanding influence. He noted the importance of vigilance to ensure press freedoms are not undermined as AI reshapes the economy and lifestyle.
Owen Meredith, NMA chief executive, praised this year’s Journalism Matters week, which celebrates UK journalists for their remarkable contributions, including exposing corruption, holding power accountable, and reporting from critical areas like Westminster, Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine, in the public interest.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Society of Editors highlights the Prime Minister’s call for media organizations to control and be paid for their content in AI development, ensuring a vibrant media landscape and protecting journalistic freedoms.(read more)
- Press Gazette discusses Keir Starmer’s stance on AI, emphasizing the need for publishers to control and seek payment for their work amidst AI’s transformative impact on the news industry.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What is Keir Starmer’s stance on AI and news publishers?
Keir Starmer supports compensating news publishers when AI uses their content.
Why does Starmer believe AI and creative sectors are important?
Starmer sees them as crucial for the government’s economic growth mission.
What is the Digital Markets and Consumers Act about?
It addresses the imbalance between platforms and publishers.
How does Starmer view AI’s influence on press freedoms?
He urges vigilance to ensure AI doesn’t undermine press freedoms.
What does Journalism Matters week celebrate?
It celebrates UK journalists’ contributions, like exposing corruption and holding power accountable.
