EU Parliament Report Endorses Compulsory Copyright Licensing for AI Training
The European Parliament has released a major report recommending that copyrighted works be subject to compulsory (statutory) licensing when used to train AI systems, as a way to balance innovation with fair pay for creators and rights holders. Under this model, AI developers would gain broad access to copyrighted material for training provided they pay royalties set by a regulatory authority — avoiding costly individual negotiations while ensuring creators receive compensation. The Parliament’s report argues that this approach could offer a better balance between creators, AI firms and consumers than the current mix of exceptions and bespoke deals, though it acknowledges practical and administrative challenges in setting rates and distributing payments. Policymakers hope this framework will support both legal clarity and sustained creative output as AI grows.
