Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether he plans to take legal advice on whether introducing an exception to copyright for text and data mining with an opt-out is consistent with the UK’s international obligations under the Berne Convention.

The Government published a consultation on Copyright and AI in December 2024.

This consultation seeks views on proposals for a new regulatory model for text and data mining. These proposals are presented for feedback and discussion, and no decision has yet been taken on the final policy.

As set out in the consultation “any proposals that we take forward will be implemented in line with our existing legal obligations, domestic and international. Relevant international treaties include the Berne Convention, Rome Convention, WCT, WPPT and TRIPS”.

The consultation closes on 25 February.