UK Government Still Sleeping on AI Threat to Creatives, Says ISM Boss

May 8

	The UK government is still dragging its feet on protecting creators from AI, Independent Society of Musicians CEO Deborah Annetts warned in a sharp speech at Westminster Insight on 6 May 2026. Speaking at the event, Annetts called for urgent action to stop Big Tech from exploiting artists’ work without permission or payment. She made clear that the current lack of real safeguards leaves musicians, writers, visual artists and performers exposed while generative AI systems train on their copyrighted material. Annetts has been one of the strongest voices pushing for change. She pointed to the growing evidence that unregulated AI is already hitting livelihoods hard — with many creators reporting lost work and income as AI-generated content floods the market. Her message was simple and direct: without proper rules on consent, licensing and fair payment, the UK risks losing the very people who power its world-leading creative industries. The speech comes against a backdrop of ongoing frustration. Despite reports, consultations and petitions, government has yet to introduce the concrete protections creators say they need. Annetts and the ISM continue to push the CLEAR framework — Consent first, Licensing not scraping, Ethical use of data, Accountability, and Remuneration — as a practical path forward. The creative sector is worth more than £100 billion to the UK economy and employs hundreds of thousands. Annetts’ warning is clear: keep delaying action, and the talent pipeline that makes British music, art and culture globally competitive could start to dry up. Creators are watching. The question now is whether government will finally move from warm words to real protection. Source: https://www.ism.org/