This raises serious legal, ethical and economic questions for songwriters and composers. We believe your work should never be used without permission or payment.
Protecting your rights in the age of AI
In 2025, the UK government consulted on AI and copyright, including a proposal to introduce a text and data mining exception that would allow AI companies to use your work without a licence.
The Ivors Academy submitted a formal response and supported members to make their voices heard. We are continuing to monitor developments and campaign for a future where innovation does not come at the cost of creator rights.
What is text and data mining?
Text and data mining is a technique used by AI companies to analyse large volumes of content, often by scraping the internet, to train AI models. This includes gathering lyrics, compositions and recordings without permission.
Under current UK law, companies must license your work before carrying out text and data mining for commercial use. We are campaigning to make sure it stays that way.
Contact your MP
While the consultation has closed, this issue is far from over. Policymakers still need to hear from creators. Write to your MP and urge them to:
- Protect copyright and creative rights
- Oppose any weakening of copyright law in favour of AI companies
- Support a fair future for songwriters and composers
Opt out of AI training: write to your publisher
One way to protect your work is to send a letter of non-consent to your publisher. This letter states that you do not consent to your music being used to train AI models or to create derivative works.
