Latest news with #NewsMediaAssociation
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
UK government signals it will not force tech firms to disclose how they train AI
Campaigners have accused ministers of lying to parliament and the creative industries after the government signalled it would not force AI companies to disclose how they train their models. Ministers are holding firm in a standoff with the House of Lords, which has called for artists to be offered immediate copyright protection against artificial intelligence companies. Peers voted by 221 to 116 on Wednesday to insist on an amendment to the data bill that would force AI firms to be transparent about what copyrighted material they use to train their models. In an amendment tabled on Friday, the government dismissed the Lords' request and reiterated its promise to publish an economic impact assessment and technical reports on the future of AI and copyright regulation. Beeban Kidron, the crossbench peer and film director who has campaigned on behalf of the industry, said during Wednesday's debate that she would 'accept anything that the Commons does' after this week. 'I will not stand in front of your Lordships again and press our case,' she said. But the News Media Association (NMA), which represents publishers including the Guardian, said peers could table further amendments to the data bill when it returns to the Lords next Wednesday. Industry figures said the government was acting in bad faith by not addressing the Lords' concerns and called for it to make further amendments of its own before MPs vote on it on Tuesday. Kidron said: 'The government has repeatedly taken all protections for UK copyrights holders out of the data bill. In doing so they have shafted the creative industries, and they have proved willing to decimate the UK's second-biggest industrial sector. They have lied to parliament, and they are lying to the sector.' She said the government's action 'adds another sector to the growing number that have an unbridgeable gap of trust with the government'. Owen Meredith, the chief executive of the NMA, said: 'The government's refusal to listen to the strong view of the Lords … risks undermining the legislative process. 'There is still time for the government to do the right thing, and take transparency powers in this bill. This would be a key step towards rebuilding trust with a £126bn industry.' The government's approach to copyright has drawn the ire of major creative artists and organisations including Paul McCartney, Kate Bush and the National Theatre, with Elton John describing the situation as an 'existential issue' this week. Opponents of the plans have warned that even if the attempts to insert clauses into the data bill fail, the government could be challenged in the courts over the proposed changes. The consultation on copyright changes, which is due to produce its findings before the end of the year, contains four options: to let AI companies use copyrighted work without permission, alongside an option for artists to 'opt out' of the process; to leave the situation unchanged; to require AI companies to seek licences for using copyrighted work; and to allow AI firms to use copyrighted work with no opt-out for creative companies and individuals. The technology secretary, Peter Kyle, has said the copyright-waiver-plus-opt-out scenario is no longer the government's preferred option, but Kidron's amendments have attempted to head off that option by effectively requiring tech companies to seek licensing deals for any content that they use to train their AI models.
The Guardian
06-06-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
UK government signals it will not force tech firms to disclose how they train AI
Campaigners have accused ministers of lying to parliament and the creative industries after the government signalled it would not force AI companies to disclose how they train their models. Ministers are holding firm in a standoff with the House of Lords, which has called for artists to be offered immediate copyright protection against artificial intelligence companies. Peers voted by 221 to 116 on Wednesday to insist on an amendment to the data bill that would force AI firms to be transparent about what copyrighted material they use to train their models. In an amendment tabled on Friday, the government dismissed the Lords' request and reiterated its promise to publish an economic impact assessment and technical reports on the future of AI and copyright regulation. Beeban Kidron, the cross-bench peer and film director who has campaigned on behalf of the industry, said during Wednesday's debate that she would 'accept anything that the Commons does' after this week. 'I will not stand in front of your Lordships again and press our case,' she said. But the News Media Association (NMA), which represents publishers including the Guardian, said peers could table further amendments to the data bill when it returns to the Lords next Wednesday. Industry figures said the government was acting in bad faith by not addressing the Lords' concerns and called for it to make further amendments of its own before MPs vote on it on Tuesday. Kidron said: 'The government has repeatedly taken all protections for UK copyrights holders out of the data bill. In doing so they have shafted the creative industries, and they have proved willing to decimate the UK's second biggest industrial sector. They have lied to parliament, and they are lying to the sector.' She said the government's action 'adds another sector to the growing number that have an unbridgeable gap of trust with the government'. Owen Meredith, chief executive of the NMA, said: 'the government's refusal to listen to the strong view of the Lords … risks undermining the legislative process. 'There is still time for the government to do the right thing, and take transparency powers in this bill. This would be a key step towards rebuilding trust with a £126bn industry.' Sign up to Headlines UK Get the day's headlines and highlights emailed direct to you every morning after newsletter promotion The government's approach to copyright has drawn the ire of major creative artists and organisations including Paul McCartney, Kate Bush and the National Theatre, with Elton John describing the situation as an 'existential issue' this week. Opponents of the plans have warned that even if the attempts to insert clauses into the data bill fail, the government could be challenged in the courts over the proposed changes. The consultation on copyright changes, which is due to produce its findings before the end of the year, contains four options: to let AI companies use copyrighted work without permission, alongside an option for artists to 'opt out' of the process; to leave the situation unchanged; to require AI companies to seek licences for using copyrighted work; and to allow AI firms to use copyrighted work with no opt-out for creative companies and individuals. Kyle has said the copyright-waiver-plus-opt-out scenario is no longer the government's preferred option, but Kidron's amendments have attempted to head off that option by effectively requiring tech companies to seek licensing deals for any content that they use to train their AI models.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
The road closures in Dartford for two upcoming sporting events
Two sporting events will see road closures in Dartford this summer. The 16th Bridge Triathlon will take place on June 22, with closures in place from 4.30pm until 4.30am the following day. The affected roads are the A206 Bob Dunn Way, which will be closed eastbound, and Marsh Street North, which will be closed at the entrance to the estate. Alternative routes will be available via Burnham Road, Victoria Road, Hythe Street, Westgate Road, Home Gardens, East Hill, The Brent, London Road, St Clements Way, and Crossways Boulevard. Access to Marsh Street North will be maintained via Rennie Drive. The 1st Sprint Bike Tri Cross will be held on August 10, with closures in place from 6am to 10am. This event will affect the Fastrack network, known as Fastrack, The Bridge, and a section of Marsh Street North. No diversion route will be required for Fastrack, as the route is for Fastrack buses only. Access to Marsh Street North will be maintained via Rennie Drive. The orders will become effective on June 22 and August 10. The restrictions and prohibitions will apply only during the times specified and will be indicated by traffic signs. Exemptions will be in place for emergency vehicles, statutory undertaker vehicles in connection with emergency repairs, and any vehicle acting under the direction of event organisers or a police constable in uniform. The full public notice can be found on the Kent County Council website. Want to find out all the latest planning applications, alcohol licensing applications and planned road closures near you? Then search the Public Notice Portal. The Public Notice Portal is owned and operated by the News Media Association, the voice of UK national, regional, and local newspapers in all their print and digital forms. NMA members include nearly 900 local and regional news titles which reach 40 million people across the length and breadth of the country each month. Many of these publications have served their communities for centuries and remain the most reliable source of verified news and information. Created by local news publishers and supported by the Google News Initiative, the portal carries statutory public notices published in local newspapers and is the fastest and most effective way of finding out what is happening in YOUR neighbourhood.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Bromley warning over new conservation area planning applications
A number of planning applications have been submitted for properties in conservation areas in Bromley. The proposed developments are in Chislehurst, Penge, and Petts Wood, and involve significant changes to the buildings. The applications have been submitted under various regulations, including the Town and Country Planning Act and the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act. In Chislehurst, a property at 23 Holbrook Lane is set to undergo substantial changes. The plans include the demolition of a conservatory, and converting a garage into a habitable room. Part one- and two-storey front and rear extensions are also proposed, along with a new hipped roof incorporating a loft conversion with two side and rear dormers. These changes fall within the Chislehurst Conservation Area, where any alterations should preserve or enhance the area's character or appearance. Also in Chislehurst, St Nicholas Lodge on St Pauls Cray Road is set for a single-storey side extension, replacement conservatory, and elevational alterations. Similar to the Holbrook Lane property, this falls within the Chislehurst Conservation Area. In Penge, a property at 147 Victor Road is seeking permission to replace its front timber door with a composite four-panel front door. This falls within the Alexandra Cottages Conservation Area. Back in Chislehurst, 13 Green Lane has submitted an application for the replacement of a demolished rear garage. The property is within the Chislehurst Conservation Area. Finally, in Petts Wood, 36 Birchwood Road is planning to demolish its garage and rear conservatory. The proposed construction of a single-storey rear extension, first-floor side and rear extension, and loft conversion including two rear roof dormers, seven roof lights, and elevational alterations falls within the Conservation Area. The planning department of Bromley has stated that as these are householder applications, in the event of an appeal against a refusal of planning permission, which is to be dealt with on the basis of written representations, any representations made about these applications will be sent to the Secretary of State with no further opportunity to comment at the appeal stage. Members of the public can view these applications and associated documentation at Observations should be submitted in writing to the Assistant Director of Planning at the Civic Centre within 21 days of the publication of the advertisement. Want to find out all the latest planning applications, alcohol licensing applications and planned road closures near you? Then search the Public Notice Portal. The Public Notice Portal is owned and operated by the News Media Association, the voice of UK national, regional, and local newspapers in all their print and digital forms. NMA members include nearly 900 local and regional news titles which reach 40 million people across the length and breadth of the country each month. Many of these publications have served their communities for centuries and remain the most reliable source of verified news and information. Created by local news publishers and supported by the Google News Initiative, the portal carries statutory public notices published in local newspapers and is the fastest and most effective way of finding out what is happening in YOUR neighbourhood. Public Notice Portal Find, save and share Public Notices that affect you in your local area
The Guardian
15-05-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
Lords examine new amendment to data bill to require AI firms declare use of copyrighted content
A new amendment to the data bill that would require artificial intelligence companies to disclose their use of copyright-protected content has been tabled, after MPs voted to remove an earlier version on Wednesday. The amendment by cross-bench peer and former film director Beeban Kidron will be a fresh challenge to plans to let artificial intelligence firms use copyright-protected work without permission. It circumvents the financial privilege grounds – meaning there is no budget available for the regulation – on which its predecessor was rejected.. The new wording states the government 'may' make enforcement provisions rather than 'must', and gives no detail about how the government could enforce them. It will be put to peers in the House of Lords for debate on 19 May after the earlier version of the amendment passed by 272 votes to 125 in a debate on Monday. Lady Kidron said: 'We have accepted the speakers ruling on the Commons financial privilege and replaced the original amendment with another that would still offer transparency. 'We very much hope that the government will accept it because it is in line with the review that they have proposed and the transparency that they have repeatedly said is a key to the outcome. But what it offers the creative industries and UK AI companies is a clear timeline, and a mechanism by which licensing and not stealing can become the norm.' Owen Meredith, chief executive, News Media Association said: 'This new amendment removes any potential direct spending implications for enforcement – which was the Commons' objection to the previous drafting – and would ensure copyright owners receive clear, relevant, accurate and accessible information about how their work is accessed and used, but gives the government flexibility over exactly how this is achieved. 'The entire creative industries, the voting public, and multiple parliamentary reports and debates have given a clear view to the government that action now to ensure rights holders are better equipped to enforce the existing law, with the proportionate application of transparency, is a progressive way forward. It's time to act, not just 'listen'.' In Wednesday's debate, the data protection minister, Chris Bryant, told MPs that although he recognised that for many in the creative industries this 'feels like an apocalyptic moment', he did not think the transparency amendment delivered the required solutions, and he argued that changes needed to be completed 'in the round and not just piecemeal'. He added that the sooner the data bill was passed, the quicker he would be able to make progress on updating copyright law. The government's copyright proposals are the subject of a consultation due to report back this year, but opponents of the plans have used the data bill as a vehicle for registering their disapproval. The main government proposal is to let AI firms use copyright-protected work to build their models without permission unless the copyright holders opt out – a solution that critics say is unworkable.
