European publishers rally against AI’s use of copyrighted content

European creative industries are intensifying their campaign for AI transparency and fair compensation as the EU AI Act moves toward implementation. The “Stay True to the Act, Stay True to Culture” initiative is gaining momentum across multiple countries, with publishers, musicians, and media executives demanding protection for copyright holders whose works are being used to train AI systems. This coordinated effort reflects growing concern that without proper regulation, European creative sectors could face existential threats while non-European tech companies reap the benefits of using their content without permission or payment.

The big picture: Representatives from Europe’s creative industries met with the European Parliament to advocate for stronger protections against AI companies using copyrighted content without permission or compensation.

• The meeting, hosted by Italian MEP Brando Benifei and Irish MEP Michael McNamara, brought together leaders from book publishing, music, film, and other creative sectors united under the “Stay True to the Act, Stay True to Culture” campaign.
• Publishers and creators are pushing for full transparency about works used to train AI models and demanding fair remuneration for creators whose content powers these technologies.

What they’re saying: Creative industry representatives warned that allowing AI companies to use copyrighted materials without permission threatens Europe’s cultural and economic future.

• Anne-Sylvie Bameule of French publisher Actes Sud condemned “fake AI transparency” that would allow AI companies to “keep stealing millions of books in full impunity,” warning the book market is “already flooded with fake books.”
• “We must never be seduced by the false idea that, in the headlong rush to the new AI world, creators’ interests must be cast aside,” stated ABBA co-founder Björn Ulvaeus.

The coordinated response: Creative industries are organizing across national boundaries to pressure European lawmakers.

• Germany’s publisher and bookseller association announced that the “Creators for Europe United” initiative has collected 10,000 signatures on an open letter to the European Commission’s executive VP for technological sovereignty.
• The open letter, launched on World Book and Copyright Day (April 23), demands transparency about works used for AI training, adequate remuneration, consistent copyright enforcement, and industry involvement in AI governance.

Beyond the EU: Similar copyright protection efforts are gaining traction in the United Kingdom.

• The UK House of Lords recently supported an amendment to the “Data Bill” requiring AI companies to disclose which works they’ve used to train large language models.
• The amendment must still return to the House of Commons for consideration.

Why this matters: The creative industries argue that without protecting the value of human creativity, AI development could undermine one of Europe’s strongest economic and cultural sectors.

• The letter warns that “if Europe loses its creatives, it will not only lose its cultural identity but also one of its strongest economic sectors.”
• Industry representatives emphasize that AI development and copyright protection need not be opposing goals if proper frameworks are established.