The Court’s judgment in the Meta Platforms Ireland (Compensation Equitable) case marked a potential turning point for copyright protection across the EU. The ruling examined the Italian application of Article 15 of Directive 2019/790, which grants publishers exclusive online rights and requires a fair‑pay system overseen by the Italian Communications Authority (AGCOM). AGCOM had already set a compensation for Meta in July 2025, but the Court held that exclusive rights alone are insufficient without enforceable mechanisms, especially where economic power imbalances exist.
Under the Court’s view, public intervention is permissible to secure equitable remuneration, provided negotiation remains possible and payments are tied to actual use. The decision acknowledges that such measures may constrain business freedom but argues they are justified to preserve the sustainability of the press and reliable information. The reasoning could influence the pending Streamz case, which examines Belgian legislation that grants authors and performers irrevocable, non‑transferable remuneration rights for content distribution and online music platforms.
Parallel to court developments, the European Parliament and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe approved reports in March 2026 exploring solutions ranging from licensing to legally established remuneration systems. Proposals include levies on AI company revenues, collective‑management‑managed payments, and public mechanisms to set compensation when negotiations fail. Models linking remuneration to the use of protected works during AI training were also discussed.
Industry analysts warn that relying solely on private agreements is inadequate due to high negotiation costs and the disparity between large firms and individual creators. Legal remuneration systems could streamline access to content while ensuring creators receive a share of the value generated by AI and digital platforms.