The European Parliament has adopted recommendations urging lawmakers to create a permanent solution for protecting copyright against artificial intelligence training. This move signals strong political backing for artists and rights holders.
The report proposes that EU copyright law apply to all AI systems used within the bloc. A key proposal is a European register listing copyrighted works used to train AI models, along with artists who opt out. Companies will also be required to disclose their training data sources. Non-compliance could result in copyright infringement claims.
Lawmakers emphasize that copyrighted material must be fairly remunerated to support the EU's creative sector. "Generative AI must not operate outside of the rule of law," stated MEP Axel Voss. "If copyrighted works are used to train AI systems, creators are entitled to transparency, legal certainty, and fair compensation."
Industry groups offered mixed reactions. Some, like the European Grouping of Societies of Authors and Composers (GESAC), view the report as a firm stance for creators' rights and support a licensing market for AI training data. Others, such as Creativity Works! and the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA), advocate for enforcing existing legislation, warning that new rules could hinder innovation and digital competitiveness.