---
title: "TDM exception"
description: "Two EU copyright exceptions for text and data mining (DSM Directive)."
canonical: https://aigovernanceengineer.com/glossary/tdm-exception
author: "Jorge García Aibar"
license: "CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)"
doi: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22956197
version: "0.5.0"
updated: 2026-09-26
---

# TDM exception

Two EU copyright exceptions for text and data mining (DSM Directive) [1]. Article 3 covers scientific research by research organisations and cultural heritage institutions; no reservation or contract can override it (Article 7(1)). Article 4 lets anyone mine lawfully accessible works, AI training included, unless the rightholder has reserved it, for online content in an appropriate manner such as machine-readable means.

- Developed in: [ch. 20, Copyright and training data](https://aigovernanceengineer.com/bok/existing-law#copyright-and-training-data)
- Chapters: [ch. 20, Existing Law](https://aigovernanceengineer.com/bok/existing-law)
- Contrast with: [Fair use](https://aigovernanceengineer.com/glossary/fair-use) · [Rights reservation (TDM opt-out)](https://aigovernanceengineer.com/glossary/rights-reservation-tdm-opt-out)
- In the glossary chapter: https://aigovernanceengineer.com/bok/glossary#t-tdm-exception

## Sources

[1] Directive (EU) 2019/790 on copyright and related rights in the Digital Single Market (Art. 3: text and data mining for scientific research by research organisations and cultural heritage institutions; Art. 4: a general exception subject to an express reservation, in an appropriate manner such as machine-readable means for content made publicly available online; Art. 7(1): contract terms contrary to Art. 3 are unenforceable). Official Journal of the EU (EUR-Lex). 2019-04-17. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/790/oj (verified: primary)