Protecting Copyright and Cultural Heritage Amid the Development of Artificial Intelligence
Digital technologies are creating new opportunities for creativity while raising important questions about intellectual property protection. In the age of artificial intelligence, preserving cultural heritage and ensuring that creators can receive recognition and income from their work are becoming increasingly important.
The 2026 International Copyright Forum opened on November 2 in Dunhuang, northwest China's Gansu Province, bringing together representatives of the World Intellectual Property Organization, cultural and copyright officials from more than 40 countries and regions, and creative industry professionals from China and abroad.
The event is jointly hosted by China's National Copyright Administration and the World Intellectual Property Organization, or WIPO.
This year's theme is “Copyright and the Creative Industries in the Digital Era: Preserving Cultural Heritage and Empowering Global Creativity.”
Participants are exploring the development of the creative economy, international cultural exchanges and intellectual property protection amid rapid technological change.
WIPO Director General Daren Tang emphasized that cultural exchanges across regions stimulate creativity and the emergence of new ideas. He highlighted the scale of China's creative sector and the continued growth of the global creative economy.
Tang also outlined WIPO initiatives designed to support emerging creators and help them build sustainable livelihoods from their creative work.
One of the central issues on the forum's agenda is the challenge posed to copyright protection by advances in digital technologies and artificial intelligence.
The growing use of intelligent systems is changing how creative works are produced, processed and distributed, increasing the importance of international dialogue on authors' rights and the use of creative content.
The forum's program includes roundtable discussions and case studies, providing opportunities for participants to exchange experiences and examine possible approaches to emerging challenges.
Holding the event in Dunhuang also highlights the connection between contemporary creative industries and historical and cultural heritage.
The discussions demonstrate that the development of the digital economy requires not only technological innovation but also mechanisms to preserve cultural values and support creative activity.
As reported by SSTV+, the International Copyright Forum in Dunhuang has brought together representatives from more than 40 countries and regions to discuss intellectual property protection, cultural heritage preservation and new opportunities for creative industries in the digital age.
