✨ EU : Parliament adopts new AI Act position, including ban on 'nudifier' systems
MEPs have agreed on proposals to simplify artificial intelligence rules and propose clear application dates for high-risk system requirements. The position also includes a new ban on AI 'nudifier' systems that create sexually explicit or intimate images of an identifiable real person without consent, though this exclusion would not apply where systems have effective safety measure
Artificial Intelligence Act: delayed application, ban on nudifier apps | News | European Parliament
✨ UK : Deepfake detection technology
The report explains how the UK is developing a standardised framework for evaluating deepfake detection tools. The aim is to improve the identification and handling of harmful AI-generated content.
Main take away: Detection technology is still imperfect and inconsistent. As the creation of deepfakes becomes cheaper and easier and the content becomes more realistic, there is a constant arms race between the creators of fake content and the detectors. The report also emphasises that detection alone is not enough. The UK is therefore considering criminalising non-consensual deepfake images, as well as banning tools that enable abuse, such as “nudification” apps.
Deepfake detection technology - GOV.UK
✨ Council and EP take position on AI Omnibus
On 13 March, the Council of the European Union adopted its negotiating position on the Digital Omnibus on AI, a simplification initiative launched by the European Commission. On Wednesday, the European Parliament’s IMCO and LIBE committees voted on the Parliament's position on the file. The Council and MEPs agree on an outright ban of 'nudifier' AI tools and systems that generate child sexual abuse material. Crucially, they are aligned in their view of delaying deadlines for high-risk AI rules and in their rejection of a 'handbrake' mechanism that would have given the Commission more discretion. They also both rejected a proposal to reduce the registration requirements for certain AI systems in an EU database. A key difference is that Parliament wants to cut industrial AI rules, which would exempt sectors such as machinery and watercraft from most of the Act's requirements and give the European Commission the power to adapt existing sector-specific laws instead. This is a central issue for the upcoming trilogue negotiations.
Council agrees position to streamline rules on Artificial Intelligence - Consilium
IMCO-LIBE Vote results_18 March 2026.pdf
✨ The UK government publishes Copyright and AI Impact Assessment
This document is not a final decision; it is an evaluation of options.
The central dilemma is: How can AI use data without undermining the rights and income of creators?
Options are assessed but no preference is given.
"There remains substantial uncertainty in this assessment. We need better evidence on the evolving licensing market, including in other countries, and the impacts of potential copyright interventions on the development and use of AI across the economy."
In the UK authors and rightsholders hold the Assessment as a victory in the sense that the UK government is backtracking on their original stance (which was clearly weighted in favour of Big Tech).
Copyright and AI Impact Assessment
Commentary of Ed Newton-Rex:
(11) The UK government's progress update on AI & copyright: a small win for creatives, but lots is still up in the air. | LinkedIn
✨ Voss Report on AI and Copyright adopted on 10th March 2026: Protecting copyrighted work and the EU’s creative sector in the age of AI
Official press release
Protecting copyrighted work and the EU’s creative sector in the age of AI | News | European Parliament
Press conference:
Press conference by Axel VOSS, (EPP, DE), rapporteur on the Protection of creative copyrighted work in AI-age - Multimedia Centre
Link to full report
REPORT on copyright and generative artificial intelligence – opportunities and challenges | A10-0019/2026 | European Parliament
✨ Communications and Digital Committee AI, copyright and the creative industries
On 6th March 2026, the House of Lords Digital & Communications Committee published their report on AI, copyright & the creative industries.
House of Lords - AI, copyright and the creative industries - Communications and Digital Committee
✨ IPTC Highlights AI Standards and Media Provenance at Saudi Media Forum
IPTC standards took centre stage in Riyadh recently as industry leaders gathered to discuss the future of the media and news technology. Invited to participate in the Saudi Media Forum (February 2–4, 2026), the IPTC focused on critical topics including AI opt-out guidelines and media provenance.
🔗 IPTC Highlights AI Standards and Media Provenance at Saudi Media Forum - IPTC
✨ A united Danish media industry takes OpenAI to court
The case centres on OpenAI’s use of content from Danish press publications to develop and provide its artificial intelligence services, most notably ChatGPT. This includes the reproduction of works, which occurs when OpenAI collects and uses data to train its large language models (LLMs), as well as the subsequent reproduction and distribution of content from Danish press publications through ChatGPT outputs.
This case is about more than a single dispute. It concerns the fundamental conditions under which artificial intelligence and independent journalism can coexist.
🔗 A united Danish media industry takes OpenAI to court – DPCMO
🔗 Dansk medieorganisation hiver Openai i retten efter afbrudt dialog
✨ Vice-President Henna Virkkunen told Suno and Udio to seek the permission of authors and performers before using their models in the EU.
In response to a written question regarding the respect of EU-based opt-outs by non-EU generative AI developers, the Commission's interpretation of EU legislation is clear. AI providers must respect the rights reservations made in accordance with Article 4 of the CDSM Directive, regardless of the jurisdiction in which the copyright-relevant acts that underpin the training of GPAI models take place.
✨ VOSS REPORT
On Wednesday 28th January, the Legal Affairs Committee (JURI) adopted a series of proposals to ensure full transparency and fair remuneration for rights holders when their copyright-protected works are used by generative artificial intelligence (GAI). The proposals were adopted by 17 votes to 3, with two abstentions.
- Title : Copyright and Generative Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities and Challenges
- Procedure reference: 2025/2058(INI)
- Rapporteur: MEP Axel Voss (European Parliament, Legal Affairs Committee – JURI)
Following its adoption by the JURI Committee, the Report will be put forward for a Plenary vote in the European Parliament, which is expected to take place in March 2026.
🔗 Download Report voted by the JURI Committee
✨ Copy of submissions On TDM reservation expressions protocols
Stakeholder’s consultation and call for expression of interest (via EU survey) aimed at supporting the implementation of the Measure 1.3 of the General-Purpose AI Code of Practice’s Copyright Section
✨ EU Commission’s decade-long assessment of Creative Europe
The European Commission has published its comprehensive ten-year evaluation of the Creative Europe programme, covering the assessment of CE1 (2014–2020) and the mid-term review of CE2 (2021–2027). The findings affirm the programme’s substantial impact on media, culture and cross-sectoral initiatives, including notable advances in transnational circulation, support for minority languages and administrative efficiency. The report also paves the way for the forthcoming AgoraEU programme by identifying three key strategic themes for policymakers and stakeholders: increasing audience reach and linguistic diversity, improving innovation and monitoring in response to rapid technological change, and strengthening news media resilience to protect democratic values and combat disinformation. Given the recognition of culture and media as vital components of European democracy and competitiveness, the Commission’s evaluation provides a roadmap for future policy, emphasising the importance of consistent funding and defined priorities to ensure the success of the AgoraEU programme.
🔗 eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=COM%3A2025%3A768%3AFIN
✨ First Draft Code of Practice on Transparency of AI-Generated Content
The EU Commission has published a voluntary draft code of practice for labelling AI-generated content, in line with Article 50 of the AI Act. Developed by independent experts, this voluntary code aims to help providers and professional deployers comply with upcoming transparency rules. The draft is divided into two sections: 1) marking and detecting AI-generated content, and 2) labelling deepfakes and AI-generated text on matters of public interest. Stakeholders can submit feedback until 23 January 2026. A second draft is expected by mid-March 2026, with finalisation scheduled for June 2026. The transparency rules will take effect on 2 August 2026. The aim of this initiative is to ensure the clear identification of AI-generated content, thereby fostering trust and accountability in digital spaces.
✨ EU Danish Presidency on fostering a well-functioning framework for licensing in the age of AI
The Danish Presidency delivers Report on the paper taking stock of the discussions on the Policy questionnaire regarding lessons learned on Article 15 of the CDSM Directive and on fostering a well-functioning framework for licensing in the age of AI.
✨ Creative Rights in AI Coalition Submission to the House of Lords Communications and Digital Select Committee Inquiry: AI and Copyright
Licensing is key, opt-out is not an option.
Quote:
"UK copyright law is absolutely clear: rightsholders must consent before their work is used by AI developers for commercial purposes. Unfortunately, the Government had generated uncertainty with a drawn-out consultation process and wrongly questioning the clarity provided by UK copyright law, which has undoubtedly disincentivised AI developers from striking deals with UK rightsholders. The Government’s top priority must be to rule out any new text-and-data-mining exception (or other weakening). This will be key in supercharging an already growing licensing market."
🔗 UK submission on AI and Copyright (02/12/2025)
✨ Simpler EU digital rules and new digital wallets to save billions for businesses and boost innovation
The European Commission has unveiled a sweeping new digital package aimed at reducing administrative burdens, simplifying compliance, and accelerating innovation across the EU. The initiative includes a “digital omnibus” to streamline rules on AI, cybersecurity, and data, a new Data Union Strategy to unlock high-quality datasets for AI, and the European Business Wallet, which will give companies a unified digital identity to simplify cross-border operations. Together, these measures could save European businesses billions each year while improving access to data, strengthening security, and supporting fair competition. Importantly, the package maintains the EU’s strong commitment to fundamental rights, privacy protection, and user safety. The proposals now move to the European Parliament and Council for further consideration.
The Commission set a course to simplify EU rules to make the EU economy more competitive and more prosperous by making business in the EU simpler, less costly and more efficient.
✨ CW! Policy Call - 5th November
1. EP report on AI (Voss report) - Update developments and agree on possible new actions
The Secretariat will re-circulate the last email to shadow rapporteurs and the rapporteur ahead of tomorrow's shadows meeting
The Secretariat will draft a new email for further communication - adapting to the new situation
2. Payment Services Regulations - Discuss possible further outreach ahead of Trilogues
The Secretariat will share with members a draft email to be sent to the Danish Presidency, Perm Reps, key negotiators in the Parliament and the Commission ahead of the 26th November trilogue
3. Geoblocking Consultation - The Secretariat to present an outline of the possible response to the questionnaire
The Secretariat will circulate the draft reply to the questionnaire and the Creativity Works! reply to the call for evidence (as it will be submitted in the consultation)
The internal deadline for submission will be on the first week of December
4. Copyright - Discuss the possible arguments for a position paper asking policy makers not to reopen the Copyright Directive
The Secretariat will start working on a one-pager and invite members to share any input they may have
✨ Creativity Works! meeting with Sebastiano Beragni, new adviser to Mario Furore (Italian, The Left - 5-star movement) on AI
Sebastiano Bertagni is adviser to Mario Furore (Italian, The Left - 5-star movement) CULT member and JURI coordinator, is interested in an online meeting on artificial intelligence and CW! position. It is a good opportunity to discuss the Voss report at a critical juncture in the shadows negotiations.
Questions discussed:
✨AI Sytem owners use of copyrighted content
Thomas Heldrup , Head of Content Protection & Enforcement at Danish Rights Alliance, has produced a very convincing video explaining how datasets are scraped - too often illegally - from websites - reproducing copyrighted content one to one.
From text to music and lyrics over videos and images
🔗 AI Sytem owners use of copyrighted content
✨ List of signatories of the GPAI Code of Practice
The General-Purpose AI Code of Practice | Shaping Europe’s digital future
✨The Current State of Data Scraping on the Web
Back in mid-2022, automated scraping of data from websites was a relatively niche problem, known primarily in industries such as e-commerce, where competitors' bots would scrape web data such as prices and discounts in order to offer more attractive deals to their customers. However, the situation has changed radically since OpenAI launched ChatGPT in November 2022. Today, the issue of the widespread unauthorised scraping of data by AI companies and their suppliers is a continuous global media headline.