Illustrator Rob Biddulph: human creativity is worth defending against AI
In a TechRadar interview, children's book illustrator Rob Biddulph said the growing number of AI-generated posters in shops and public spaces feel “soulless,” and criticized AI systems for training on artists' work without permission or payment and then competing against those same creators. He argued the UK government's original proposal — which would have let AI firms train on copyrighted work unless creators opted out — placed the burden on millions of individuals, and called instead for an opt-in licensing system where permission and payment come first. He added that freelancers and those starting out are hit hardest.
The interview captures creators' core demand on AI training data and signals that the policy debate is shifting from whether to regulate toward opt-in versus opt-out licensing.