EU prepares licensing law for AI training on creative content
The European Commission is drafting legislation to establish how AI developers license creative work from writers, artists, and other rights holders. A consultation published Wednesday outlines the framework for ensuring creatives receive compensation when their content trains AI models.
AI systems require vast amounts of original content to function effectively. In practice, this has often meant using copyrighted material without permission or payment - a practice that has triggered lawsuits across Europe and drawn complaints from creators.
The proposed "targeted legislative initiative" would complement existing copyright law with new rules specific to AI training. The Commission is weighing different levels of intervention, according to the consultation document.
What the law could require
The legislation could require AI developers to disclose whether they've used specific creators' work. It could also establish mediation or arbitration processes to handle licensing disputes and introduce measures guaranteeing fair payment for creative content used in training.
Tech Commissioner Henna Virkkunen said many rights holders want to share their work but need assurance of fair compensation. "I'm willing to facilitate more possibilities for the licensing models between the rights holders and AI model creators," she said.
The push reflects pressure from EU culture ministers, who called for similar action at a meeting Tuesday.
For creatives navigating how AI affects their work, understanding these emerging licensing frameworks matters. Learn more about AI for Creatives and how Generative AI and LLM systems operate.
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