Jack Thorne calls for laws banning secret AI use in scriptwriting

Thorne criticized the current government for being "dazzled by tech" and failing to protect copyright holders from the mass scraping of their work by AI models. He highlighted that some studio executives have reported writers using AI prompts instead of writing words, which undermines the integrity of the profession. To address this, Thorne proposed that broadcasters like the BBC and Channel 4 implement sanctions for writers found to have used AI without disclosure. He emphasized that clear legal boundaries are essential to protect vulnerable writers and maintain the value of human creativity in the face of rapid technological change.

The call for regulation comes amid ongoing debates about AI's impact on the creative industries. Thorne argued that the government must take a proactive stance to prevent AI from being built on "copyright crime" and to ensure that the next decade sets a precedent for the future of writing. While acknowledging the need for adaptation, he insisted that legislation is necessary to stop the worst excesses of AI adoption and to uphold the rights of creators.