EWC Analysis of the adopted EP resolution on “Copyright and generative artificial intelligence – opportunities and challenges” – EWC
https://europeanwriterscouncil.eu/analysis-adopted-voss-report/
Publish Date: 2026-03-13 08:23:00
Source Domain: europeanwriterscouncil.eu
Summary of the Article on EU Copyright and Generative AI
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Adoption of the Resolution: The EU Parliament, in a vote of 460 to 71 with 88 abstentions, adopted recommendations to protect copyrighted creative work from use by generative AI. The report, known as ‘The Voss Report’ and drafted by MEP Axel Voss, is set for a full European Parliament vote on March 10, 2026.
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Favorable Aspects for Authors and Artists:
- Clarification of the scope of the Text and Data Mining Exception, preserving the CDSM Directive without reopening it.
- Academic and scientific authors now have the option to “opt out” if their works/data are used in commercial AI development.
- Voluntary licensing not managed by collective management organizations but on an individual basis.
- Territoriality of copyright is guaranteed across all territories where works are used in AI models.
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Red Lines:
- Possible setup of a “registry” for rights reservations under the EUIPO that might introduce unnecessary technical and protection hurdles.
- Concern over a new legislative initiative aimed primarily at business needs potentially damaging author sovereignty and income.
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Compensation Debate:
- The resolution proposes a lump sum of 5-7% (around 420 million euros) as compensation for past uses by AI. While some view this as overdue financial remedy, many argue it does not adequately cover the actual damages and sets ill-fitting future licensing rates.
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Licensing Hub Proposal:
- The EUIPO is suggested as a central “licensing hub” for AI or generative AI rights, requiring perspectives and input from various members, especially collective management organizations.
This summary highlights the EU decision-making process, protections sought by authors, and key debates regarding compensation and future AI-copyright relations.
