Does EU copyright law allow AI training on online content?

Article 4 of Directive (EU) 2019/790 allows text and data mining of lawfully accessible works unless the rightholder has expressly reserved that use in an appropriate way, such as machine-readable means for content published online.

When will the EU review the Copyright Directive?

Article 30 says the Commission shall review the directive no sooner than 7 June 2026 and report to the Parliament, the Council and the European Economic and Social Committee.

EU Copyright Directive (Directive (EU) 2019/790) news

Directive (European Union)1 story

Directive (EU) 2019/790 on copyright and related rights in the Digital Single Market is the EU's main copyright law for online uses.

The Berlaymont building in Brussels under a clear blue sky, with a European Commission banner on its central tower. — European Commission opens copyright consultation on AI use of protected works and piracy

AI Policy & Regulation29 Sep 2026, 10:00 UTC

The European Commission opened a targeted consultation on 29 September 2026 on copyright and AI, live event piracy, music remuneration and research access.

Summary

The European Commission launched a targeted consultation on 29 September 2026 on whether the EU copyright framework needs new measures. The first of four topics is the use of copyright-protected content in artificial intelligence. The others are online piracy of live events, the remuneration right of music performers and producers, and copyright in scientific research. Generative AI providers and rightholders are both invited. The deadline is now 10 November 2026.

About EU Copyright Directive (Directive (EU) 2019/790)

Directive (EU) 2019/790 on copyright and related rights in the Digital Single Market is the EU's main copyright law for online uses. Adopted on 17 April 2019, it includes the text and data mining exceptions in Articles 3 and 4 that AI developers rely on, with an opt-out for rightholders under Article 4(3).

Reviewed 28 Oct 2026

Facts at a glance

Official name: Directive (EU) 2019/790 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 April 2019 on copyright and related rights in the Digital Single Market source
Jurisdiction: European Union (transposed into national law by each Member State)
Text and data mining for research: Article 3 source
General text and data mining exception: Article 4, subject to an express reservation by rightholders, such as machine-readable means online (Article 4(3)) source
Transposition deadline: 7 June 2021 source
Commission review: No sooner than 7 June 2026 (Article 30) source

Questions people ask

Does EU copyright law allow AI training on online content?: Article 4 of Directive (EU) 2019/790 allows text and data mining of lawfully accessible works unless the rightholder has expressly reserved that use in an appropriate way, such as machine-readable means for content published online.
When will the EU review the Copyright Directive?: Article 30 says the Commission shall review the directive no sooner than 7 June 2026 and report to the Parliament, the Council and the European Economic and Social Committee.

EU Copyright Directive (Directive (EU) 2019/790) news

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European Commission opens copyright consultation on AI use of protected works and piracy