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Australia Rules Against AI Copyright Exemptions
24 Dec
Summary
- Productivity Commission rejects changes to Australia's copyright laws.
- Licensing is deemed the appropriate tactic for AI accessing content.
- Creative sector advocates hailed the ruling as a significant win.
The Australian Productivity Commission's extensive inquiry has concluded, recommending no changes to the nation's copyright act. Instead, the commission has affirmed that AI companies seeking to access copyrighted material must pursue licensing agreements. This finding provides a clear pathway for AI development while ensuring creators receive fair compensation for their work.
The report, published in December 2025, follows over two years of advocacy from the creative sector. APRA AMCOS CEO Dean Ormston highlighted that licensing offers a balanced approach, benefiting both the public and AI developers. ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd stated that Australia's copyright system is robust and capable of protecting the value of its cultural output.
This decision represents a significant win for artists and rights holders, who vocally opposed the tech sector's proposals for text and data mining exemptions, particularly after an interim report in August 2025 suggested such exceptions. High-profile artists and industry bodies actively campaigned for stronger copyright protections, culminating in this favorable outcome. The recorded music industry has expressed readiness to collaborate with AI companies on licensing.
