AI systems are developed using datasets drawn largely from publicly available information: research papers, educational resources, cultural works, images, and data shared by millions of people and institutions around the world. A significant portion of this knowledge exists because of CC licenses and the global movement for open sharing. 

For over a quarter century, the commons has grown through shared norms, legal tools, and collective stewardship. But right now, creators and institutions often perceive that they are faced with choosing between two extremes: share in an unrestricted free-for-all, or close off access altogether. Neither serves the commons. 

Part of what drives this situation is a gap in the governance systems that made open sharing possible. CC licenses grant permissions where copyright applies. In many jurisdictions, existing exceptions and limitations mean many forms of AI use fall outside of copyright. Even where license terms apply, the conditions were not designed for the AI context . This leaves few mechanisms for attribution and little alignment between the intentions of creators and the ways their work is used as data for AI development. This is not the future we want. To meet this moment, we must rebuild the rules of sharing for the AI era.

Creative Commons is Building Critical Tools for a Reciprocal AI Ecosystem

The commons did not emerge spontaneously. It was built through careful design: legal frameworks that empower reuse, technical standards that enable discovery, and community norms that sustain trust. The AI era now requires the next generation of tooling.

CC licenses remain a critical component in this effort. To keep incentives for open sharing strong in the age of AI, we need to supplement our tools with additional ways for communities to share human knowledge that are mutually beneficial. That’s where CC Signals come in. 

The CC Signals Framework

We want to achieve a future where the global knowledge commons continues to grow and remains accessible so people, institutions, and AI systems can learn from shared knowledge in ways that benefit everyone.

To get there, we need:

• Tools that give more agency: Ways for people and institutions to communicate how their work can be used in AI systems; and 
• Clear rules for the AI era: New norms and governance so shared knowledge is used in ways that embeds reciprocity.

CC Signals will offer a flexible, commons-friendly framework for communicating expectations around AI use of content or data. Just as our licenses offer choices between all and no rights reserved, CC Signals will offer a spectrum of preferences for when and how work is used in AI. 

Engage With Us

This is a defining moment for the future of knowledge. The decisions made now will shape whether AI reinforces openness or accelerates its decline.

Creative Commons invites creators, institutions, policymakers, and technologists to take part in building a reciprocal and sustainable AI ecosystem.

Join us to stay up to date on events and conversations around CC Signals! Fill out our intake form to join the CC community, access our Zulip chat platform, and receive our community newsletter.