Triggered by the growing use of large volumes of news articles and other journalistic content to train AI models, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) argue that existing copyright frameworks do not adequately address how automated systems extract, reproduce, or repurpose original reporting at scale.
The proposal appears in a draft copyright report that forms part of broader efforts to update EU copyright enforcement as automated content generation becomes more widespread.
Rather than as a voluntary or purely commercial arrangement between publishers and technology companies, compensation obligations should be seen as a corrective measure to protect the economic sustainability of professional journalism. Lawmakers warn that unchecked content extraction risks weakening the financial foundations of news organisations and, by extension, the public-interest role of journalism.
The proposed upodates also address the use of AI systems to generate deepfakes and other forms of synthetic content that can manipulate or distort journalistic work. MEPs argue that current legal tools are insufficient to protect journalists, publishers, and citizens when automated systems replicate reporting or alter it in misleading ways.
Why it matters
This activity underscores how European regulators have taken a leadership role in regulating the use of artificial intelligence.
The proposed broader scope reflects concern not only about economic harm but also about the integrity of information ecosystems, particularly in an environment where AI-generated content can spread rapidly and blur the line between authentic reporting and synthetic material.
If adopted, the Parliament’s position would add further pressure on large technology firms already subject to tighter oversight under EU digital legislation, including the EU’s Digital Markets Act.
Further reading
EU lawmakers move closer to forcing technfirms to compensate news publishers for AI training use. Article. January 20, 2026. CADE (Civil Society Alliances for Digital Empowerment, co-funded by the European Union)
Parliament copyright report eyes AI companies paying news publishers. Article (includes link to draft amendments). January 19, 2026. Euractiv
