What the new CISAC report on private copying remuneration could mean for the UK Smart Fund
DACS highlights key findings from the Private Copying Global Study 2026, reinforcing the case for the Smart Fund, a sustainable and future-proof solution to supporting the UK’s arts and culture sector.
The International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) has published its most comprehensive Private Copying Global Study yet, examining private copying legislation across 196 countries. The 2026 edition, released in partnership with BIEM, IFRRO, and Stichting de Thuiskopie, provides vital new evidence on the importance of reliable royalties for creators and copyright holders in the UK and worldwide.
What is the Smart Fund?
The Smart Fund is a proposal by creative industry organisations (DACS, BECS, Directors UK, ALCS and PICSEL) to ensure creators and performers are fairly paid when their work is copied and stored on digital devices. It does this using a small percentage from sales of electronic devices which copy, store and share creative content.
Independent research has shown the scheme could generate up to £300 million per year for UK-based creators and performers.
Private copying remuneration as a mainstream mechanism worldwide
The CISAC study demonstrates that countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America currently operate or are moving towards implementing private copying schemes. Regional blocs such as the African Union and West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) have recently mandated or recommended private copying schemes, signalling strong global policy momentum.
In the EU, where private copying legislation was first introduced in the 1960s, France and Germany alone collected £415 million from private copying and reprography schemes – representing 50% of global revenues and a substantial, reliable income stream for creators and performers.
This is highly significant, as the UK remains one of the few major markets without a functioning private copying remuneration scheme. The report’s findings bolster the argument that introducing the Smart Fund would bring the UK in line with international best practice.
Investing in the creative ecosystem with social and cultural funds
Over 20 countries dedicate a portion of private copying revenues to social and cultural funds, supporting artist development, education programmes, festivals and cultural events. These models set a strong precedent for the Smart Fund to generate much-needed additional funding for the UK’s own creative industries.
Country case studies and policy momentum
The report provides numerous real-world examples of countries reversing earlier cuts to private copying schemes and adapting legislative frameworks in response to increasing digital copying of creative works. These case studies illustrate that national governments around the world increasingly view these schemes as vital for cultural resilience.
Evidence for the Smart Fund campaign
The CISAC Private Copying Global Study 2026 offers compelling, independently sourced evidence supporting private copying remuneration as a fair, reliable, and internationally recognised mechanism for supporting creators.
For DACS and its audiences, the findings reinforce the urgent need to bring the UK in line with global best practice and ensure that all creators, including visual artists, are fairly compensated for private copying.
Read more
- What is the Smart Fund?
- Explore more of our advocacy work
- How do I join DACS?
