The report, led by MEP Axel Voss, raises concerns about the current application of Article 4 of the Copyright Directive, which introduced exceptions for text and data mining. It argues that the provision lacks clarity when applied to the training of generative AI systems and calls for legal clarification, including the introduction of standardised opt‑out mechanisms for rights‑holders. It also proposes the creation of a centralised European registry to facilitate the management of such opt‑outs.
In addition, the Parliament calls for greater transparency across the AI value chain. Recommendations include clearer labelling of content generated purely by AI, the development of a Code of Practice on content labelling, and stronger action by digital service providers against deepfakes and the unauthorised use of people’s likenesses, works or performances.
Next steps
A revision of the Copyright Directive is expected in the coming years, alongside a forthcoming CULT Committee own‑initiative report on cultural and creative sectors in the age of AI (anticipated by summer 2026) and the European Commission’s AI Strategy for the Cultural and Creative Sectors (expected in early 2027). Taken together, these initiatives are likely to shape future EU policy debates at the intersection of copyright, culture and artificial intelligence. Therefore, the timing of this report published on 10 March is the report is significant since it could prove highly influential for the forthcoming AI and copyright related actions.
NEMO's work on AI
In addition to monitoring developments an decisions on EU level, NEMO is diving deeper into the topic at the NEMO European Museum Conference 2026 "Human after all - Museums in the wake of AI." Save the dates 11-13 October 2026 in Vilnius, Lithuania, to join us as we explore how AI, cybersecurity, and societal change are reshaping the sector.
NEMO is also working on two publications dealing with AI and museums that will be published later this year.
