European Commission launches copyright consultation focused on AI

The European Commission has launched a call for evidence to gather views on whether EU copyright rules should be modernised in response to changes in the digital economy, including challenges linked to generative AI.

The consultation will assess the practical impact and effectiveness of the 2019 Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single Market, which updated EU rules on the use of copyright-protected content across digital platforms and online services. The Commission will examine whether the directive has facilitated the use of protected content in digital environments, improved licensing practices and supported a fairer copyright marketplace.

Rapid technological and market developments are reshaping the creative economy, with the Commission seeking views on how generative AI affects licensing, enforcement and the use of protected works. The review also covers online piracy, particularly of live events, remuneration for performers and producers of recorded music played in the EU, and access to and re-use of works for research purposes.

The call for evidence is open until 25 June and invites contributions from relevant stakeholders on both the review of the 2019 directive and a possible targeted legislative initiative on copyright. The process will be supported by an external study and a stakeholder survey.

Why does it matter?

Generative AI has intensified long-running copyright tensions between technology developers, creators, publishers and platforms. The consultation could influence how the EU approaches licensing, enforcement and the use of protected works in AI systems, while also shaping wider debates on creator remuneration and digital rights in Europe’s creative economy.

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