King Charles III expressed support for renowned British author Sir Kazuo Ishiguro in his ongoing fight against the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) within the creative industries. During a ceremony at Windsor Castle on November 5, 2025, the King highlighted the importance of protecting authors and artists from the unauthorized use of their work in AI training.
Sir Kazuo, who received the title of Companion of Honour for his contributions to literature, disclosed that his books had been “raided” by tech companies to develop AI models. He noted that the King’s encouragement to “keep battling” is significant given the current landscape where major firms are accused of exploiting creators’ intellectual property without proper compensation or credit.
The issue has garnered attention as numerous authors, musicians, and artists have voiced concerns over the unlicensed use of their creative works. Sir Kazuo, who moved to the UK from Japan as a child, mentioned the detrimental impact of these practices on artists’ livelihoods. He emphasized that while he does not oppose the use of creative works in AI training, it must be done within a framework that respects copyrights.
In his remarks, he stated, “Our work was being taken – all my books have been taken to train AI – but if the copyrights can be respected then it can be used in a way that, say, a traditional researcher would use somebody else’s book. Just because it’s AI, it shouldn’t be an excuse to just raid people’s intellectual property.”
The broader conversation around AI and copyright is gaining momentum, with the House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee recently beginning an inquiry into the matter. The discussion is crucial as it addresses the balance between innovation and the rights of creators.
Tom Kiehl, chief executive of UK Music, also weighed in on the situation, asserting that the appropriation of creative works for AI training is not a matter of inspiration but rather “pure theft.” He reinforced the notion that copyright laws are designed to protect creators and that infringing upon these rights undermines their work.
Despite the challenges posed by AI, Sir Kazuo expressed a degree of optimism regarding its potential benefits, stating, “There are great things that could come from it.” He stressed the necessity for society to navigate these advancements responsibly to ensure they benefit individuals rather than exploit them.
As the conversation continues, the call for fair treatment of artists and creators grows louder, underscoring the need for both technological innovation and respect for intellectual property rights. The ongoing dialogue initiated by figures like King Charles III and Sir Kazuo Ishiguro is vital to shaping a future where creativity thrives alongside technological advancement.
