The UK has stepped back from an AI copyright exception. What it means for your creative

In March 2026 the UK government published its report on copyright and AI and dropped its previously preferred option: a broad text and data mining exception that would have let AI developers train on copyrighted work unless rights holders opted out [1][2]. The proposal had faced strong opposition from across the creative industries [1].

Instead of new legislation, the government says it will gather more evidence, watch technology, litigation and international approaches, and engage on other options [1]. In other words, the question isn’t settled.

Why brands should care

• Ownership. If AI tools helped make an asset, be clear about what you own and what the tool’s terms allow.

• Look-alikes. Outputs can resemble existing work. Review AI-assisted creative the way you would a stock image or a reference.

• Talent and voices. Don’t recreate a real person’s likeness or voice without permission and a contract.

Practical steps

• Keep a record of which tools were used on each asset.

• Use tools with commercial-use terms and, where available, indemnities.

• Add AI clauses to supplier and freelancer contracts.

• Keep humans in the loop on anything that carries your brand name.

Sources

1. Report on Copyright and Artificial Intelligence, GOV.UK (March 2026)

2. Opt-out cop-out? UK government rethinks its position on copyright and AI, Lewis Silkin (March 2026)

3. Copyright and AI: UK government report March 2026, Birketts

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