France's Mistral AI Proposes Tax on AI Firms Using Online Content in Europe

Arthur Mensch, co-founder and CEO of French AI firm Mistral AI, recently wrote in the Financial Times proposing a tax on AI companies for using online public content in Europe.

Europe has stricter copyright rules for online content than other regions. Under current regulations, European firms can't freely use online content for AI training, but non-European firms can bypass protections. This weakens European AI companies' competitiveness and affects content creators' earnings.

Mistral AI suggests a revenue-based tax on all AI services operating in Europe. Funds raised will support new content creation and European cultural industries, running parallel to existing AI licensing models.