Lunchtime learning – AI & Authors

AI Policy & Authors: where we are now and predictions for the future

The Policy Team will be discussing recent key developments in AI policy including the Government’s response in March to the Consultation on AI & Copyright.

We’ll be considering:-

• The Government’s current position on AI and copyright and its proposed next steps;
• How the Government’s position affects authors, including unresolved issues around proper regulation of tech companies, transparency and licensing of authors’ works;
• Legal action which has been taken internationally and in the English courts; and
• The SoA’s future plans to continue the fight to ensure that authors’ rights are recognised and protected.

#SoAatHome Lunchtime learning events – Free for SoA Members | £15 for Non-Members

Not a member, sign up here with our special #SoAatHome offer and get 20 per cent off for the first year of membership – use code SOAATHOME20.

Programme

• Welcome and introductions from (3 mins)
• Discussion chaired by Harriet Evans, Chair of the Policy & Campaigns Sub-committee (40 mins)
• Lindsay Bennett Ford, Joint Head of Policy and Public Affairs – The Government’s announcement on 18 March – what it means , and what next for campaigning efforts.
• Keith Ashby, General Counsel, Joint Head of Policy and Public Affairs- Can legal action against tech companies play a role and what are the challenges?
• Q&A with audience (15 mins)
• Summary and closing comments – Harriet (2 mins)
• This event will be moderated by Ambre Morvan – Senior Policy and Public Affairs Manager and Contracts Advisor, SoA

Send us your questions

If you would like to send questions in advance, email publicaffairs@societyofauthors.org with ‘AI Policy & Authors session’ in the subject header. We will prioritise questions sent in advance and answer as many as we can from the audience on the day.

The Line-up

Harriet Evans

Harriet Evans is the author of 13 novels, several of which have been Sunday Times bestsellers. Before becoming a full-time author, she was an editor and publisher at Penguin Books and Hodder Headline. Harrie served on the Management Committee between 2022-2025.

Lindsay Bennett Ford

Lindsay Bennett-Ford joined the SoA in September 2025 and leads on parliamentary and government engagement. She previously held policy, public affairs, and communications roles across the third sector and creative industries.

Keith Ashby

Keith Ashby joined the SoA in 2024 and is General Counsel. He has over 25 years acting for clients in the creative industries, including in relation to Intellectual Property matters. Keith also sits on the board of the British Copyright Council.

Accessibility 

• Attendees will have the option to turn on the live transcript, to watch with subtitles
• If you require BSL interpretation for this event, please email events@societyofauthors.org

Booking

SoA Members: Please use the ‘Register – SoA Members’ form below and provide your details, including your membership number. If you’re unsure of your SoA ID, please email info@societyofauthors.org.

Non-members: Choose one of the two ticket options below, complete the registration form, then fill out the billing info to finalise your payment.

For event or registration questions, email events@societyofauthors.org.