JOURNALISTS called for action today over government plans to allow big tech firms to use copyrighted material from creatives and publishers for free. 

Newspapers including the Daily Mail, Mirror, Express, Daily Star, Sun, Times and the i dedicated their front pages to the Make It Fair campaign organised by the News Media Association and backed by the Society of Editors.

It has been timed to coincide with the government’s consultation, which ended today, over proposals that would allow tech firms to use copyrighted material from creatives and publishers without having to pay or gain a licence, nor reimburse creatives for using their work.

NUJ general secretary Laura Davison said: “The public has shown huge support on valuing the contribution of journalists and creatives.

“We know AI cannot replace their skill and talent; government must focus on strengthening copyright law to ensure the works of rights holders are protected.”