In today’s Digest, we discuss the UK Data bill passing without the AI Copyright clause, a UN rapporteur urging green accountability while TikTok launches carbon measurement, and ITV unveiling a TV Outcomes Planner to support SMEs.

UK Data Bill Passes Without AI Copyright Transparency Clause

Following weeks of debate in the House of Lords and vocal opposition from UK creatives, including music icons such as Sir Elton John and Dua Lipa, the UK’s Data Use and Access Bill has officially passed. 

The new bill initially set out to allow AI developers to use copyrighted content without permission. This was fiercely contested by the creative industry. Peers in the House of Lords had pushed for an amendment, arguing that without clear regulation, AI developers would be effectively granted a free pass to mine copyrighted UK content without consent or compensation. “That’s committing theft, thievery on a high scale,” Sir Elton John told the BBC, echoing widespread concern across the UK’s creative industries. He was one of a number of household names from the UK creative industries, including Sir Paul McCartney and Dua Lipa to oppose the government.

The government, however, rejected the proposal, citing an ongoing consultation into copyright and AI, as well as forthcoming legislation dedicated specifically to AI. Officials argued that imposing such requirements now would risk stifling innovation and weakening the UK’s competitive standing in the global AI arms race.

Sustainability in Focus: UN Rapporteur Urges Accountability; TikTok Launches Carbon Measurement

A new report by UN Special rapporteur Elisa Morgera recommends that states criminalise advertising and media firms for amplifying false or misleading information from fossil fuel companies and pushes for a blanket ban on fossil fuel advertising, sponsorship, and promotion. It also urges advertising agencies and big tech platforms to refuse fossil fuel-linked sponsorships altogether, and to actively support campaigns promoting fossil-free lifestyles.

The report called on companies working within the advertising and tech landscapes to collaborate with and support independent media which provides accurate climate information. In a call to action, it also encourages platforms and agencies to reinvest in independent journalism that accurately informs the public on climate issues. 

Elsewhere in news related to sustainability, TikTok has announced a new initiative in collaboration with Scope3, enabling advertisers to measure the carbon footprint of their campaigns. This forms part of its broader push toward sustainability and carbon neutrality by 2030.

TikTok explained: “This collaboration will allow clients to better understand their advertising footprint, optimize campaigns for lower impact, and make informed decisions to support their sustainability goals… Aligned with the Ad Net Zero Global Media Sustainability Framework (GMSF), Scope3’s methodology enables agencies, advertisers and platforms to explore and act on emissions data with confidence.”

This allows advertisers to gain deeper visibility into the environmental impact of their campaigns, supporting more informed, sustainability-driven decision making. 

ITV Unveils TV Outcomes Planner to Support SMEs 

ITV has launched a new planning tool designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) forecast the short-term business outcomes of their TV advertising investments. The Outcomes Planner, revealed during ITV’s 13th annual Showcase in Manchester on Thursday, marks the broadcaster’s latest push to attract long-tail advertisers and lower the entry barrier for brands new to TV.

ITV measurement innovation lead Sameer Modha told The Media Leader: “Our Outcomes Planner lets every advertiser — even those who’ve never been on TV — benefit from all the experiments we’ve run on its business impact over the past few years.” 

The tool enables advertisers to model expected campaign performance based on variables such as budget, brand size, campaign duration, and seasonality. Drawing from over 750 outcome studies, including insights from data partners, it predicts tangible metrics like website traffic uplift.