The International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) has highlighted the growing impact of artificial intelligence on cultural creation. In its 2026 Annual Report, the organisation identifies the regulation of AI and the protection of copyright as among the most urgent issues facing the global creative sector.
According to the report, the increasing use of copyrighted works to train AI systems has intensified the debate over how to balance technological innovation with the rights of those who create original content. CISAC argues that future regulatory frameworks must incorporate clear provisions for transparency, authorisation and fair remuneration for creators.
Over the past year, the organisation, which brings together authors’ societies from around the world, has been actively involved in a range of initiatives addressing these issues, from discussions led by international institutions to legislative consultations in multiple jurisdictions. These include work undertaken through the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), UNESCO and various regulatory processes relating to artificial intelligence.
The report also underscores that the economic sustainability of creative professions remains a key concern for the sector. In this regard, CISAC continues to advocate for mechanisms such as private copying compensation schemes, stronger rights for audiovisual creators and frameworks that enable artists to share in the revenues generated through the resale of their works.
Alongside its policy and advocacy efforts, the organisation has continued to modernise the tools that support the international management of rights. During the past year, CISAC further advanced the development of CIS-Net 2, the next generation of its global data exchange infrastructure, while also strengthening services associated with the International Standard Musical Work Code (ISWC) system to improve the identification of works and rights holders.
The publication of the report coincides with CISAC’s centenary celebrations. As part of this milestone, the organisation will hold its General Assembly in Paris on 4 June, bringing together representatives from the cultural sector, policymakers and collective management organisations to discuss issues including the impact of artificial intelligence on creativity, the future of copyright and the remuneration frameworks that support creators worldwide.
You can download the full report here.
Source: CISAC / APM