Policy Download – April 2025

The MPA’s Chief Policy and Public Affairs Officer, Ornella Akanga, breaks down the latest updates from the policy space this month.  

MPs Debate AI and Intellectual Property in Westminster Hall 

On 23rd April, MPs gathered in Westminster Hall to debate the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Intellectual Property (IP). The debate was opened by James Frith MP, following a proposal from the MPA during a meeting earlier this year. 

In the run-up to the debate, the MPA wrote to several MPs – including Natasha Irons MP, Rt Hon Caroline Dinenage MP, and others – to brief them on the key issues surrounding AI and music copyright. The debate saw cross-party participation, with MPs from across the political spectrum expressing strong support for the creative industries. 

Speaking during the session, Sir Chris Bryant MP, Minister for the Creative Industries, acknowledged the current lack of a suitable technical solution for rights reservation in the context of AI. However, he added: “It cannot be beyond the wit of the clever people who are developing all this technology” to devise a solution that works.  

You can watch the full debate on Parliamentlive.tv – Westminster Hall 

Data Usage Bill reaches Report Stage 

The UK government has removed the AI and copyright amendment introduced by Baroness Kidron in the Data Usage Bill, however concessions could be won at Report stage, as new amendments on transparency have been tabled.  

Ahead of the Report stage, the MPA has been writing to MPs, including those on the Report Committee, to encourage them to voice support for the AI transparency provisions in the Bill.  

Many Labour MPs have already expressed a reluctance to go against the government on this matter; however, they have pledged to support in other ways.  

UK Music are organising a photocall outside of the Houses of Parliament, to coincide with the Data Use and Access Bill Report Stage debate on Wednesday 7th May.  The photocall will begin from 10am outside of the Houses of Parliament. 

The MPA is inviting its members, as well as high-profile supporters and Parliamentarians to attend the photocall. 

US Announces Universal Tariffs – Implications for UK Music Exports 

The US President, Donald Trump has announced the introduction of universal tariffs ranging from 10% to 20% on all imported goods. This policy targets countries with trade deficits with the United States, as well as those applying VAT on American exports. Under the new rules, UK goods will be subject to a baseline tariff of 10%, in addition to existing duties and administrative fees. 

However, there are exemptions. Products listed in Annex II are not subject to the new tariffs. These include: 

• Music, whether printed or in manuscript, bound or illustrated 

• Printed dictionaries, encyclopaedias, and their serial instalments 

• Printed books, brochures, leaflets, and similar printed materials 

As a result, UK music publishers can continue exporting both physical and digital books to the US without incurring additional duties. 

The UK government is actively engaging in discussions aimed at securing broader exemptions or reduced tariff rates for UK exports, as negotiations progress towards a future UK-US Free Trade Agreement. In the meantime, initiatives such as the Music Export Growth Scheme (MEGS) continue to support UK artists and publishers in expanding their international reach. 

The MPA remains in regular dialogue with the Department for Business and Trade and will continue to update members on any developments.

US Copyright Registration Toolkit  

The U.S. Copyright Office has released the Copyright Registration Toolkit, a “comprehensive resource designed to help creators, small business owners, advisors, and others navigate the copyright system. As part of the Copyright Office’s Copyright for All initiative, the toolkit is a visual breakdown of copyright, including essential information about copyright law, how to prepare for copyright registration, what to expect during the process, and post-registration considerations.”  

Developed in conjunction with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s Intellectual Property (IP) toolkits for trademarks, trade secrets, and patents, these resources are intended to collectively provide a broad overview of IP protection under U.S. law. More information can be found here: Intellectual Property Toolkits.  

Ofcom launch consultation on new BBC Radio stations 

Ofcom has launched an independent assessment of the BBC’s proposals to introduce new DAB+ radio stations. In November, the BBC set out plans to launch four new services: Radio 1 Dance, Radio 1 Anthems, Radio 2 Nostalgia, and Radio 3 Unwind.  

Following the publication of these proposals, the MPA submitted written feedback and met with the BBC’s Director of Music, Lorna Clarke, to discuss the optimal approach for the development and positioning of the new stations. 

Given the potential impact on the wider radio market, Ofcom is now undertaking a detailed second-phase competition assessment. The MPA will contribute evidence to the consultation as part of this process.