Today, we kick off celebrations for CC’s 25th anniversary. Please join us throughout the rest of 2026 as we commemorate a quarter century of sharing.
A Brief Reflection
When CC was founded, the internet was at an inflection point: sharing and remixing were easier than ever, but we were stuck between the black-and-white choice of copyright’s default to “all rights reserved” and “no rights reserved”. The founders of CC created the CC licenses to open space between the two, where human creativity could flourish and a shared commons of knowledge and culture could power progress and work in the public interest. Through CC’s work and the dedication of our community, CC licenses now power access to tens of billions of works online and have been used to make over half of all scientific research open and accessible.
It feels apt that after a quarter of a century, the internet would be at another inflection point. AI systems are built on vast amounts of publicly available data such as research, education materials, cultural works, and more, all shared by individuals and institutions around the world. Much of this exists because of CC licensing. However, the governance systems that enabled this sharing have not kept pace with AI. There are few mechanisms for attribution, transparency, or alignment with creators’ intentions. As a result, knowledge is being used at scale without clear accountability or reciprocity.
This creates a growing imbalance. If left unaddressed, creators may stop sharing, institutions may restrict access, and the commons will languish. This trend has already begun, and the consequences are significant: reduced access to knowledge, increased concentration of power, and weaker foundations for both democracy and AI innovation.
The good news? There is an alternative: a future where the commons thrives and remains accessible, supporting both human knowledge and responsible AI development. To get there, a few things are required:
- Clear rules for the AI era: New norms and governance so shared knowledge isn’t simply extracted without credit, consent, or responsibility.
- Tools that give creators agency: Ways for people and institutions to communicate how their work can be used in AI systems.
- Transparency and attribution: Systems that recognize where knowledge comes from and who contributed it.
- Strong public infrastructure for sharing: Legal, technical, and community systems that keep knowledge accessible while protecting trust.
The result is an AI future built on a healthy, growing commons. Remember: AI relies on the commons, not the other way around.
For us, this is what celebrating our anniversary is about: celebrating the vital work of the past 25 years, and looking forward to the stage this work has set for the future. The CC community helped create a better internet, and now we are committed to keeping it human, to reclaiming and bringing joy and humanity to our shared digital future.
Celebrate 25 Years of Creative Commons
Throughout 2026, CC will be reflecting on CC’s legacy and envisioning the next 25 years through events, storytelling, community activities, and more. We invite you to celebrate with us—and to help shape the next chapter of the commons. We will be announcing ways to celebrate throughout the year. To get started, we invite you to:
Make a Gift
CC is a nonprofit and relies on the generosity of those who share a passion for equity, reciprocity, and openness. Help power the next 25 years of sharing with a gift today!
Attend an Event
CC 101: CC History
Apr 14 | 2:00-3:00 pm EDT
Learn about the history of Creative Commons and the legal and societal contexts that led to its creation in this free virtual event.
Submit to the CC25 Zine
To commemorate our anniversary, CC is creating a zine featuring submissions from the CC community! The theme is “Remix is resistance,” and will contain creative works that reflect how remix, reuse, adaptation, and sharing challenge power, build community, preserve culture, and imagine more just futures. Submit your own work, from a poem to a photograph to a comic-style illustration!
Buy CC Merch
Support CC in style with brand-new CC merch! Wear your love for sharing on your sleeve with a CC hat, t-shirt, tote, and more.
Share Your CC Origin Story
What got you involved in the open movement? What drew you to the CC community? Share your CC origin story or favorite memory on Zulip! Not part of the CC community? Fill out a simple form to join.
More Ways to Join
Find all the ways to celebrate along with us and help shape CC’s next 25 years on our anniversary page.
Posted 14 April 2026