AI and Music Publishing UK: Navigating the Copyright Uncertainty

The UK music industry stands at a crossroads. It has contributed £7.6 billion to the economy in 2023. But, it faces its biggest challenge yet from artificial intelligence. This could fundamentally change how music publishing works. After the government closed its AI copyright consultation in February 2025, UK artists are in a state of legal limbo. They might not see clear answers until at least 2026.

The AI Revolution and Current Legal Status

Artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing how music is created, distributed, and ultimately, monetised. It is now accurately estimated that 10% of the 100,000 songs uploaded daily to streaming platforms are AI-generated. This big change affects traditional music publishing at its very core.

The UK music publishing market is strong, with PRS for Music paying out £1.02 billion in royalties in 2024, up 8.1% from the previous year. But, AI could disrupt this success by changing copyright and how creators get paid.

The impact of AI on music publishing is huge. CISAC’s study says music creators could lose 24% of their revenues by 2028 because of AI. This could lead to a €10 billion loss globally in music over five years. The music business will use more generative AI in the future.

The Government’s Consultation Closure and Current Position

The UK Government’s AI copyright consultation closed on 25 February 2025. It got over 11,500 responses about AI’s impact on the industry. The consultation offered four policy options, with Option 3 being a “text and data mining exception”.

But, the government has now stepped back from having a “preferred option”. They claim to be “open-minded” about how to proceed. Secretary of State Peter Kyle said the initial opt-out approach “is not the case” for bringing both sides together, after the strong response from songwriters and the creative industries.

The consultation response was influenced by industry opposition. UK Music’s Tom Kiehl and organisations like the Creative Rights in AI Coalition (CRAIC) successfully mobilised strong opposition against the misuse of generative AI. Over 1,000 musicians created a “silent protest album” in February 2025 to show their worries about the future of human creativity in music.

The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025: What Actually Happened

The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 received Royal Assent on 19 June 2025. But, it controversially excluded the AI copyright provisions that were hotly debated. Famous artists like Sir Elton John and Sir Paul McCartney supported House of Lords amendments for more transparency. But, surprisingly, these were rejected.

Instead, the Act has included reporting requirements in sections 135-137. The government must publish a progress statement by 19 December 2025 along with a comprehensive economic impact assessment by 19 March 2026. This means any policy decisions will be delayed until 2026.

The AI and Music Publishing Market’s Continued Growth

Music publishing is doing well, even with AI uncertainty. It makes money in many ways: performance royalties, mechanical royalties, and more. This variety helps it grow faster than recorded music.

The UK recorded music market reached £1.49 billion in 2024. This is a decade of growth. Streaming revenue hit £1 billion for the first time. The music industry added £7.6 billion to the UK economy in 2023.

But, PRS for Music’s growth slowed in 2024, with revenue increasing by 6.1% to £1.15 billion. This is less than the 12.5% increase in 2023. The rise of AI-generated content on streaming platforms is a big challenge.

Protecting Your Rights During Legal Uncertainty

The legal situation with AI and music publishing needs careful handling. In the UK, AI developers need permission to use copyrighted material. The text and data mining exception is only for non-commercial research.

Essential Steps for Rights Protection

• Stay Informed About Policy Developments – Keep an eye on the government’s reports in 2025 and 2026. These will guide the rules for AI in music.
• Register Your Works Comprehensively – Register all your music, including AI-generated pieces, with PRS for Music. This proves ownership and helps fight against AI misuse.
• Document Your Creative Process – Keep records of your work, like demos and notes. These are important if there’s a dispute over AI-generated music.
• Explore Rights Reservation Services – Look into services like RightsAndAI.com. They help rightsholders say no to AI misuse.

The Value of Professional Management

Professional management is key during this time. Music managers know about copyright and AI. They help artists understand their rights and deal with AI issues.

Looking Ahead: The 2026 Timeline

The next 18 months will be crucial for UK AI and music publishing’s future. The government’s progress statement in December 2025 and economic impact assessment in March 2026 will establish the framework for eventual policy decisions. Secretary of State Peter Kyle has indicated a comprehensive AI bill will be introduced in the next parliamentary session, likely May 2026.

Industry Advocacy Continues

The next 18 months are critical for UK AI and music publishing. The government’s reports in 2025 and 2026 will shape the future. Secretary of State Peter Kyle plans to introduce a comprehensive AI bill in May 2026.

The creative industries have delayed the AI copyright changes. This shows the power of working together. The government will talk to the creative and AI industries about issues like transparency and licensing. The industry wants a system where AI companies pay for using copyrighted works. This is like how streaming services pay for music. The other option is a system that could change how AI and music work together.

Q: What is the current status of the UK government’s AI copyright policy?

A: The government’s consultation closed on 25 February 2025 with over 11,500 responses. No final decisions have been made, and the government is now “open-minded” rather than favouring any particular option. Policy decisions are expected in 2026 following mandatory reports due in December 2025 and March 2026.

Q: What happened to the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025?

A: The Act got Royal Assent on 19 June 2025. But it didn’t include AI copyright rules. It requires a progress statement by December 2025 and an economic impact assessment by March 2026. The Act focuses on AI models. The transparency amendments were rejected after debate.

Q: What can UK artists do to protect their rights during this uncertainty?

A: Artists should register their works with PRS for Music. They should document their creative process and stay updated on policy changes. Professional management and representation will be key to any success in this changing and complex world. At the moment, AI developers cannot freely use copyrighted material without permission from the original creator. The text and data mining exceptions are only for non-commercial research, which does not apply to the scraping of songs.

The UK music industry is facing uncertainty that may last until 2026. By understanding legal protections and staying informed, artists can protect their rights. Working with knowledgeable professionals is vital.

For help with the changing landscape of AI, copyright and protecting music publishing rights, experienced industry representation is vital.