AI dominates conversation at IPG 2025 Spring Conference

In the UK, where the two-day Independent Publishers Guild (IPG) 2025 Spring Conference wrapped up on 26 February, AI continues to be the main topic of conversation in the book sector.

‘Inevitably, with the government consultation on AI, with its proposal to change 300-year-old copyright laws to make it easier for AI companies to operate in the UK, AI was a hot topic at this year’s IPG conference. Although not too hot to handle, as it warranted mention in every session,’ reported BookBrunch. ‘And it was the focus for one of the most gripping sessions of the day, in which tech and AI expert Ed Newton-Rex; head of policy and communication at the Publishers’ Licensing Services, Will Crook; and George Walkley – leader of the IPG’s AI, discussed “Where Next for AI and copyright?”’

Meanwhile, the Bookseller reported that ‘changes to National Insurance coming into effect from April and the threats presented by AI also top the list of concerns for indie presses, while low rates of reading for pleasure among children continue to raise alarm bells across the industry’.

While addressing the issues and challenges facing the sector, speakers at the conference encouraged delegates to rise to the challenges. Crook noted the ‘Make it Fair’ campaign in the UK and the Publisher’s Licensing Services open letter, saying: ‘There will be more chances to raise the issues as the government will want to take them out […] Creative industries are pro-AI and we want to work in partnership with the tech companies, but for the partnership to be successful, it has to be sustainable. Copyright must be respected and protected.’

Addressing declining reading rates in children, Waterstones Children’s Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce said he was thinking about reading as an ‘anchor’ for children, and not just as an ‘escape’, highlighting the benefits that reading has for the mental health of young people.

Category: International news