The Government response confirms that it no longer has a preferred option for introducing a broad copyright exception for AI training with an opt-out mechanism, following significant concerns raised by rightsholders and other stakeholders. It also outlines further work on creator control, input transparency, AI labelling, digital replicas, and the development of licensing mechanisms for smaller creative organisations.

This marks a significant moment for DECaDE’s long-running research agenda. The Centre’s evidence to the inquiry, led by Professor John Collomosse, who gave oral evidence to the Select Committee in December 2025, argued that AI and copyright should be understood as a content supply chain challenge requiring durable technical infrastructure to support control, consent, compensation, transparency and enforcement as creative works move across digital platforms and into AI systems.

Research cited by the Committee includes DECaDE’s work on provenance infrastructure for content licensing (Content ARCs, 2025), its influential research on robust provenance signalling (the “three pillars of provenance”, also referred to by DCMS during the inquiry as a “triple lock”), and the Time to ACCCT framework report on provenance developed with the CoSTAR National Lab.

The Government’s response gives particular prominence to areas where DECaDE has provided sustained thought leadership, including market-led licensing, creator control, transparency over AI training data, AI-generated content labelling, and the role of open, interoperable standards for rights reservation, provenance and labelling. It also recognises that technical tools and standards can help rightsholders enforce their rights, manage permissions and support licensing for AI training and development.

Professor John Collomosse, Director of DECaDE, said:

“The Government’s response underlines the central point DECaDE has made throughout this debate: copyright in the age of AI requires trustworthy digital infrastructure that establishes the authenticity and provenance of content, enables creator attribution, and allows creators to attach terms of use that travel with content. Open standards, watermarking, and decentralised rights technologies are essential to realise an infrastructure layer for the creative economy that works for creators, innovators and the public.”

DECaDE will continue to contribute evidence and technical expertise as Government develops its next steps, including work on creator control mechanisms, AI labelling and licensing models. The Centre’s research demonstrates that a creator-centred AI economy is technically achievable – provided that emerging AI policy, standards and market incentives are aligned around durable provenance and rights-aware digital supply chains.

ENDS

DECaDE is the UKRI Centre for the Decentralised Digital Economy, bringing together expertise in AI, Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), and cybersecurity, alongside business, law, and human-centred design. The centre collaborates with over 30 commercial partners, including Adobe and the BBC, and works closely with policymakers, including the Cabinet Office and Scottish Government. 

Media contact:

DECaDE
University of Surrey
decade@surrey.ac.uk
j.collomosse@surrey.ac.uk