Keir Starmer warns that artificial intelligence must not jeopardize the UK’s live media industry

News publishers must monitor and demand payment for their content as artificial intelligence continues to develop, Sir Keir Starmer has urged.

In an article marking the launch of the News Media Association’s Journalism Matters campaign, the Prime Minister said journalism was the “lifeblood of democracy”.

He praised the “vitality” and “extraordinary strength” of the UK media landscape, adding: “There are more than 900 local and national news outlets in the UK.

“For all the gloomy prophecies about the future of news, this represents an extraordinary strength.

The British news industry reaches more than 80 percent of the population.”

News publishers must monitor and demand payment for their content as artificial intelligence continues to evolve, Sir Keir Starmer has urged

The Prime Minister warned that rapid developments in digital technology must not undermine press freedom (stock image)

Last November, the executive chairman of the owner of the Daily Mail warned that AI could destroy independent news publishers in the UK. Pictured: the front page of the Daily Mail. July 8, 2021

But he warned that rapid advances in digital technology must not be allowed to undermine press freedom. He said ministers were working closely with artificial intelligence (AI) firms and news publishers to “find a balance in our industrial policy”.

He added: “We recognize the core principle that publishers should control and be paid for their work, including when thinking about the role of AI. This is important for a dynamic media development in which the provision of reliable information from the sector is more important than ever.”

Last November, the executive chairman of the owner of the Daily Mail warned that AI could destroy independent news publishers in the UK and could pose an “existential threat to democracy”.

In an interview with the Times, Lord Rothermere accused tech companies of “copying” news articles written by journalists at his media group DMGT to train their artificial intelligence models.