Five Million Creators Demand Urgent AI Copyright Reform to Protect Human Artistry
Paris, Friday, 29 May 2026.
Released ahead of its 100th anniversary, CISAC’s 2026 report outlines a massive global push by five million creators to enforce fair compensation and transparency in generative AI systems.
The Global Regulatory Push for AI Transparency
Throughout the 2025–2026 period, CISAC aggressively expanded its footprint in global AI policy discussions [1][3]. The confederation actively engaged with international bodies such as the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and UNESCO, while also responding to the implementation phases of the landmark EU AI Act [1][3]. On a national level, CISAC participated in legislative consultations across diverse markets, including the United Kingdom, Australia, India, Chile, and South Korea, signaling a coordinated effort to standardize creator protections internationally [1][3].
Strengthening the Technological Infrastructure
To support these policy initiatives, the confederation is overhauling the digital infrastructure used to track and distribute royalties [GPT]. The 2026 report highlights the deployment of the first stage of the CIS-Net 2 global data infrastructure, alongside the continued strengthening of the International Standard Musical Work Code (ISWC) system [1][2][3]. These technical upgrades are essential for processing the massive volume of data required to accurately identify creator works and ensure fair remuneration in an increasingly complex digital ecosystem [GPT].
A Century of Advocacy Reimagined
These modern challenges stand in stark contrast to the landscape of 1926, the year CISAC was founded [1][2]. On June 4, 2026, the organization will host its centenary General Assembly at the Pavillon Cambon in Paris, France [1][2]. The event will convene more than 300 participants, including global creative industry leaders, collective management organizers, and international policymakers [2]. The agenda is heavily weighted toward analyzing the impact of AI on human creativity and redefining the role of cultural policy in rights protection [1][2].