Tony Blair Institute says enforcing stricter licensing rules for copyright-protected material will threaten national security interests
In a recent report, the Tony Blair Institute (TBI) has called for the UK to relax its copyright laws to facilitate the growth of artificial intelligence (AI) firms. The think tank warned that a stricter approach to copyright enforcement could strain the UK’s relationship with the United States, mainly as the US is set to announce tariffs on UK goods this week.
TBI emphasised that geopolitical considerations must be given “urgent and adequate attention” while drafting AI policies. The think tank argued that without similar provisions in the US, it would be difficult for the UK government to enforce strict copyright laws without damaging the transatlantic relationship it has been working to nurture. TBI suggested that if the UK were to demand licensing for all UK content used in AI models, it would push development work to other territories with less stringent copyright laws.
The report supports government proposals allowing AI firms to train their models on copyright-protected material without permission unless creators explicitly opt-out. TBI highlighted that the Trump administration is unlikely to pursue strict AI regulations while China is rapidly advancing its AI capabilities. According to the think tank, the UK risks weakening its economic and national security interests by falling behind in the AI race.
“If the UK imposes too strict laws, it risks falling behind in the AI-driven economy and weakening its capacity to protect national security interests,” said TBI. The report also argued that commercial AI models cannot be trained on content from the open web without infringing on copyright, which is akin to saying knowledge workers cannot profit from insights gained from reading the same content.
TBI urged rights holders and policymakers to embrace a future where creativity is valued alongside AI innovation rather than clinging to outdated regulations. The think tank warned that a more restrictive approach to copyright than that taken by the EU, Singapore, or Japan could drive AI developers out of the UK.
Fernando Garibay, a record producer who has worked with artists such as Lady Gaga and U2, introduced the report by noting that history is filled with “end-of-time claims” related to technological breakthroughs, from the printing press to music streaming. He argued that the creative community should not “cling” to the legal status quo but should allow copyright laws to co-evolve with technological change.
The report, titled “Rebooting copyright: How the UK can be a global leader in the Arts and AI,” also calls for the creation of a Centre for AI and Creative Industries to encourage collaboration between the tech and creative sectors.
However, the report has faced criticism from Beeban Kidron, a cross-bench peer and prominent campaigner against the government’s proposals. Kidron accused the report of telling artists to “put up or shut up” because AI’s advance is inevitable. She argued that the UK’s vision should not be limited to becoming an AI hub for Silicon Valley, calling it “the most depressing vision of the UK imaginable.”
“If the UK imposes too strict laws, it risks falling behind in the AI-driven economy and weakening its capacity to protect national security interests.”
Kidron also raised concerns about TBI’s acceptance of donations from US tech billionaire Larry Ellison, which reached $270 million last year. According to documents filed in the US, Ellison’s foundation donated more than $52 million to TBI in 2024, with a further $218 million committed. TBI defended its funding, stating that the $270 million commitment was for helping governments around the world, particularly in Africa, with “reform and change programmes.” The think tank maintained its intellectual independence over its policy work.
The debate over copyright laws and AI development highlights the complex balance between protecting intellectual property and fostering innovation. As the UK navigates this challenge, it must consider the broader geopolitical implications and the potential impact on its relationship with key allies like the US.
