NEWS / SEP.2026
Anthropic proposes a targeted authorization to train its AI models on copyrighted Australian works, Reuters reports on September 22, 2026. The developer of Claude says it is willing to discuss conditions involving investment or support for creators and Australian culture.
Australia: according to Reuters, Anthropic proposes a conditional authorization to train its AI models
Anthropic proposes that Australia conditionally authorize the training of its AI models on copyrighted works, Reuters reports on September 22, 2026. The developer of Claude says it is willing to consider investment requirements or other conditions supporting creators and Australian culture.
Anthropic’s detailed submission was made public on Tuesday, September 22, Capital Brief reports. OpenAI’s was already public on September 16, as ABC reported. Its broad call for reform therefore predates the publication of Anthropic’s detailed proposals.
OpenAI is calling more broadly for a framework allowing training on public information and opportunities to collaborate with rights holders. Both companies say that legal certainty will influence their choices of locations for model training and computing infrastructure.
The Australian government had rejected a blanket text and data mining exception, known as TDM, on October 26, 2025. It was also exploring paid collective licenses and voluntary licenses. A work published online retains its copyright protection, even when its content is publicly accessible.
Anthropic accepts the rejection of a blanket exception and advocates a more targeted authorization. The company is also considering an opt-out option for creators, Forbes Australia reports. The terms of this opt-out and the final safeguards for its implementation remain to be specified.
The conditions envisaged by Anthropic could provide resources for local activities and creative work. However, investment in Australia can fund an activity without resulting in payment to every author whose work is used. Under a paid collective license, permissions are negotiated for multiple rights holders and payments are collected on their behalf.
A government option revealed by ABC on September 15, separate from Anthropic’s proposal, is based on a quota of agreements with rights holders. These agreements would have to cover a minimum period. Once this quota was reached, companies could be authorized to use other creators’ works without making additional payments to them. Content from creators who had exercised their right to opt out would be excluded from this authorization.
Under this government option, small creators who did not exercise their right to opt out could have their works used without a paid contract if negotiations focused on major rights holders. Under a collective licensing scheme, their remuneration would depend on the organizations representing them and the distribution rules. These consequences would therefore depend on the scheme adopted.
APRA AMCOS, a music rights management organization, advocates training in Australia with appropriate licenses in its statement of September 16, 2026. Its position links local AI development to permissions covering the use of works.