Brussels, 30 September, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The European Commission has put EU AI copyright rules back on the Brussels agenda after launching a targeted consultation on whether existing protections are sufficient as generative artificial intelligence increasingly relies on large volumes of digital content. The consultation opened on 29 September and runs until 3 November 2026.
Commission examines copyright protection in the AI era
The consultation focuses on four areas: the use of copyright-protected material in artificial intelligence, online piracy including live events, remuneration rights for music performers and producers, and copyright issues affecting scientific research.
Brussels is seeking evidence from rights holders, generative AI providers, technology companies, collective management organisations, researchers, national authorities and consumer groups.
The Commission has not proposed new legislation. It says the consultation will help determine whether additional measures are needed as technology and markets develop.
EU says copyright framework may need strengthening
In announcing the consultation, the Commission said the EU already benefits from a “robust copyright framework”, while acknowledging that emerging challenges raise questions over whether it should be reinforced through additional measures.
The issue has become increasingly important for publishers, journalists, musicians, photographers, writers and other creators concerned about protected material being incorporated into datasets used to develop generative AI.
For technology companies, the debate centres on obtaining sufficient access to data while complying with copyright and licensing requirements.
AI Act already requires copyright compliance
The latest review comes after major AI Act obligations for general-purpose AI providers began applying.
Providers must maintain a policy to comply with EU copyright law, identify and respect rights reservations and publish a sufficiently detailed summary of content used to train their models. Commission enforcement of the general-purpose AI rules began on 2 August 2026.
Non-compliance with the training-content summary requirement can lead to enforcement action, with potential fines reaching €15 million or 3% of worldwide annual turnover, whichever is higher.
Parliament calls for transparency and fair payment
The European Parliament has also pushed for clearer EU AI copyright rules. In March, MEPs adopted recommendations by 460 votes to 71, with 88 abstentions, calling for transparency, fair remuneration and mechanisms enabling rights holders to prevent protected works from being used for AI training.
After the vote, Parliament’s rapporteur Axel Voss said: “We need clear rules for the use of copyright-protected content for AI training.”
Earlier, following the Legal Affairs Committee vote in January, Voss said: “Innovation cannot come at the expense of copyright, both can and must coexist.”
Creative industries face important policy decisions
Parliament says Europe’s cultural and creative sector generates 6.9% of EU GDP, increasing the economic significance of the debate over how protected works are used by AI developers.
MEPs have also specifically called for protection of news organisations where their content is used by AI systems, including appropriate compensation and the ability to refuse use for model training.
Consultation closes in November
Stakeholders have until 3 November 2026 to submit feedback. The Commission will then assess the evidence before determining whether further policy measures are warranted.
No additional copyright legislation has yet been confirmed. The consultation nevertheless places EU AI copyright rules firmly back among Brussels’ active digital-policy debates as policymakers consider how to balance technological development with the rights of Europe’s creators.
