Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the potential challenges faced by small AI developers seeking to build consumer tools that rely on data from third-party commercial websites.

The Government recognises that small AI developers can face particular challenges in accessing data lawfully and affordably, including from third-party websites. The Report on Copyright and AI, published in March 2026, considered evidence from across the AI and creative sectors on these issues, and heard directly from SME representatives about the disproportionate impact of legal uncertainty and licensing costs on smaller developers. We are supporting market-led approaches to data licensing and technical standards, and will keep their effectiveness under review, including their impact on SMEs. The Government’s Plan for Small Businesses, published in July 2025, sets out the measures that the Government is taking to support small businesses across the UK. This includes tackling late payments, boosting access to finance, and removing red tape.