Creators Issue Landmark AI Declaration at CISAC Assembly

Creators from around the world have come together in Paris to call for stronger protections for human creativity as artificial intelligence continues to reshape the global cultural landscape.

The call comes via The Paris Commitment, a new declaration adopted during the centenary General Assembly of the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC). The document urges governments, technology companies, and cultural industries to ensure creators remain protected, recognised, and fairly remunerated as AI technologies become increasingly embedded across creative sectors.

More than 450 creators, policymakers, collective management organisations, and cultural industry representatives attended the Paris gathering, where the declaration was formally unveiled. 

The initiative comes amid growing international debate over the use of copyrighted works in generative AI systems, particularly around issues of transparency, consent, licensing, and creator compensation.

In a symbolic moment during the assembly, delegates viewed a video featuring creators from across CISAC's global network discussing the role of creativity in culture, identity, and human expression. Australian artist Boox Kid and Aotearoa New Zealand musician Kings were among those featured. The presentation culminated in creators from around the world signing the declaration on stage, drawing a standing ovation from attendees.

The declaration states: “At a time when rapid advancements in artificial intelligence risk undermining the value of creative work, we affirm a shared responsibility: human creativity must be protected, respected, and sustained as a defining force of expression, culture, identity and progress.”

The Paris Commitment is built around four key principles: protecting human creativity and cultural diversity; ensuring transparency, licensing, and fair remuneration within AI systems; supporting the role of collective management organisations; and encouraging governments to safeguard creators' rights and cultural expression.

The declaration was introduced following a day of discussions examining AI's impact on artistic creation, creator livelihoods, and cultural diversity. Speakers included creators, economists, academics, technology experts, policymakers, and representatives from organisations including the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the African Union, the European Parliament, and streaming platform Deezer.

CISAC has now launched a public signing campaign, inviting creators, rights organisations, and supporters worldwide to add their names to the commitment as conversations around AI regulation continue to intensify across the creative industries.