European Commission opens review of EU copyright rules amid AI and licensing debates
The European Commission is seeking feedback on the effectiveness of the EU’s copyright framework and the impact of generative AI on licensing, enforcement, and creators’ rights.
The European Commission has launched a call for evidence as part of a review of EU copyright rules, including the 2019 Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single Market.
The review will examine whether the directive improved licensing practices, facilitated access to copyrighted material online, and contributed to a fairer digital marketplace for creators and rights holders.
The consultation also focuses on newer challenges linked to generative AI. The Commission is seeking input on how AI systems affect copyright licensing, rights enforcement, and the use of protected content for model training and research purposes.
Other areas under review include online piracy of live events, remuneration for performers and music producers, and access to copyrighted works for scientific research and reuse.
The process comes as copyright disputes involving AI companies, publishers, artists, and technology platforms continue to expand globally. Questions around how copyrighted works are scraped, licensed, or reproduced through AI systems have become a central issue in digital policy and creative industries regulation.
The consultation remains open until 25 June 2026.
