{
  "question": "Can I train an AI model on CC BY-NC-SA content?",
  "slug": "can-i-train-ai-on-cc-by-nc-sa-content",
  "url": "https://www.rightshold.com/answers/can-i-train-ai-on-cc-by-nc-sa-content",
  "short_answer": "Training a commercial model: No. Non-commercial research training: Needs review.",
  "framing": "CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 allows non-commercial use only, and adaptations must be shared under the same license.",
  "checks": [
    {
      "label": "Training a commercial model",
      "license": "CC-BY-NC-SA-4.0",
      "license_name": "Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International",
      "intended_use": {
        "model_training": true,
        "commercial_use": true
      },
      "verdict": "prohibited",
      "answer": "No",
      "findings": [
        "CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 prohibits commercial_use."
      ],
      "duties": [
        "attribution",
        "license_notice",
        "state_changes",
        "no_additional_restrictions",
        "share_alike"
      ],
      "curation": "curated",
      "official_text": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/legalcode"
    },
    {
      "label": "Non-commercial research training",
      "license": "CC-BY-NC-SA-4.0",
      "license_name": "Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International",
      "intended_use": {
        "model_training": true
      },
      "verdict": "needs_review",
      "answer": "Needs review",
      "findings": [
        "Creative Commons licenses grant rights to reproduce and adapt the material, with conditions that apply when it or an adaptation is shared. Whether training a model creates an adaptation, and how attribution applies to a trained model or its output, is not settled; Creative Commons notes that training may also fall under exceptions such as fair use. A human reviewer should confirm this use for your case."
      ],
      "duties": [
        "attribution",
        "license_notice",
        "state_changes",
        "no_additional_restrictions",
        "share_alike"
      ],
      "curation": "curated",
      "official_text": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/legalcode"
    }
  ],
  "context": [
    "Creative Commons notes that whether training is an adaptation depends on local law; the non-commercial condition applies regardless."
  ],
  "sources": [
    {
      "title": "CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 legal code",
      "url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/legalcode"
    },
    {
      "title": "Creative Commons: Using CC-licensed works for AI training",
      "url": "https://creativecommons.org/using-cc-licensed-works-for-ai-training/"
    }
  ],
  "check_it_yourself": {
    "mcp": {
      "tool": "check_license",
      "arguments": {
        "license": "CC-BY-NC-SA-4.0",
        "intended_use": {
          "model_training": true,
          "commercial_use": true
        }
      }
    },
    "rest": "POST https://www.rightshold.com/v1/licenses/check"
  },
  "computed_from": "Rightshold license profiles at render time; not legal advice",
  "updated": "2026-10-23"
}