227 authors’ societies worldwide are calling for the adoption of the Darcos bill

Over the centuries, culture and innovation have evolved together, benefiting both creators and technology entrepreneurs. Today, however, with the advent of artificial intelligence, creation faces one of the greatest challenges in its history.

AI offers tremendous opportunities. Many creators among us already use it in their work. The issue, therefore, is not to oppose this technology, but to ensure that it develops in a manner that respects our rights.

Because behind what some euphemistically call “data” are, in fact, our books, films, music, photographs, press articles, and millions of other creative works.

The large-scale use of our works to train AI systems—without authorization or compensation—constitutes the greatest plundering of creative and artistic works ever perpetrated. And as if that were not enough, our works and the culture of our countries are being overwhelmed and diluted by synthetic content that directly competes with us.

France invented modern copyright. It was also one of the birthplaces of collective rights management. For more than two centuries, France has been at the forefront of efforts in Europe and around the world to defend creativity, cultural diversity, and the rights of creators.

The “Darcos” bill currently under consideration by the French Parliament offers a straightforward response to this situation. It creates no new rights. Its purpose is to make existing rights under French and European law effectively enforceable by strengthening transparency requirements for AI providers.

On the occasion of CISAC’s centennial, the millions of human creators represented by the 227 authors’ societies gathered in Paris solemnly call upon members of the French National Assembly to adopt this legislation without delay.

Such a vote would resonate far beyond France’s borders. There is an urgent need for action on behalf of creators around the world, who know that France—as it has so often done throughout the history of copyright—can once again lead the way and send a clear message: the development of AI must not come at the expense of culture.

Creators’ rights are not an obstacle to innovation; they are the foundation of its legitimacy, sustainability, and success.