The European Commission opens a consultation on copyright that puts AI's use of protected content first
Rights holders and AI providers have until 3 November to answer. It is the first formal step in a while toward new EU rules on training data.
The European Commission opened a targeted consultation on 29 September on the challenges technology poses for copyright and the way forward. It covers four areas, and the use of copyright-protected content in AI is listed first. The other three are online piracy, such as of live events; the single equitable remuneration right of music performers and producers; and copyright in scientific research.
Responses close on 3 November 2026. The consultation asks about possible future measures, not a drafted law, so nothing changes for AI companies yet.
It matters because Europe is where rules on paying for training data are most likely to be written next, and the Commission has now put the question formally, alongside three other copyright questions. For companies that train or sell models in the EU, and for publishers, musicians and other rights holders, this is the window to put evidence on the record before the Commission decides whether to legislate.
Agence Europe reports that the Commission also plans an AI strategy for the cultural and creative sectors in early 2027. That is not on the Commission's own page and is not confirmed here.
- Confirmed Consultation published 29 September 2026, closing 3 November 2026, with the use of copyright-protected content in AI first of four areas. European Commission
- Confirmed The other three areas are online piracy such as live events, the single equitable remuneration right for music performers and producers, and copyright in scientific research. European Commission
Today in the September 30, 2026 edition · front page