Jack Thorne Urges Ban on Undeclared AI Scripts as Writers Face Fraud Claims

1 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Sep 14

Jack Thorne said some scriptwriters are secretly using AI-generated text instead of writing themselves, calling the practice cheating and urging laws that would make passing it off as original work unlawful.
In a London speech, the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain president drew a line between limited assistance—such as spelling or layout—and using prompts as a substitute for writing, which he said cheats employers and fellow writers.
Thorne warned that undisclosed AI use by writers could hand publishers, studios and streamers cover to weaken protections for the profession, and said broadcasters including the BBC and Channel 4 should threaten sanctions.
He also attacked Keir Starmer's government for moving too slowly on AI copyright safeguards after dropping an opt-out proposal last year, arguing the next 5 years of policy will shape the next 100 years for UK writers.