Meta: AI Development

Lord Brennan of Canton Excerpts

Tuesday 27th October 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Ramsey of Wall Heath (Lab)]

The CMA recognises the urgency of this matter, particularly for businesses that rely on Meta services to reach their customers. A delay does not resolve the questions raised by the effect of the new terms. We understand that the CMA is engaging directly with Meta to establish the facts. Following its evidence to the House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee on 20 October, I understand it is working to an expedited timeline to provide the committee with a written response setting out its position. We expect that response very shortly.

[Lord Brennan of Canton (Lab)]

My Lords, I urge the Minister to be robust on this matter and the Government to use all the powers at their disposal to stop what is essentially an abuse of market power by Meta and a threat to trusted journalism.

[Baroness Ramsey of Wall Heath (Lab)]

I assure my noble friend that the Government recognise the concerns raised about Meta’s updated commercial terms and are committed to ensuring that creators can control the use of their work. UK copyright continues to apply to the use of protected works in AI development and training. Where an activity requires permission under copyright law, that permission must be obtained unless an exception applies.