Organizations representing authors, artists, and cultural workers in the audiovisual, literary, and performing arts sectors have issued a manifesto urging the Government and Parliament to implement measures that protect them from abuses by artificial intelligence companies and promote respect for their fundamental rights and dignity in their work.
The signatories appeal for legislative measures to minimize risks associated with Generative AI, particularly as the EU Regulation on Artificial Intelligence comes into effect. They emphasize the need for protections for all citizens, especially professionals in the artistic and cultural sectors.
They argue that AI models have been trained on literary and artistic works without obtaining authorization from creators, leading to unfair competition in markets where artists sell their works. This situation threatens artistic creation and jeopardizes their income sources.
The organizations demand the protection of their freedom of expression and creation, as well as their right to dignified work. They call for AI companies to respect copyright and intellectual property rights, and to cease unfair competition.
They insist that these companies prove they have obtained prior authorization for using their works at all stages of AI model development and that creators are compensated. Additionally, they seek the removal of illegally created AI models and compensation for unauthorized use of their works.
Transparency from AI companies is also requested, alongside a call for the Administration to refrain from using illegal AI models or allowing products generated by such applications in cultural contests, awards, and public tenders until rights are respected and Generative AI is properly regulated.
Marta Sánchez-Nieves, president of ACE Traductores, states, "It is unacceptable that the Administration is promoting the use of Generative AI without considering that most AI models have been trained without the authorization of their rights holders, violating a basic principle of intellectual property: no authorization means no legal use."
The manifesto is open for additional support from civil society and cultural organizations concerned about the risks and impacts of Generative AI on their lives and work. The text will be available from October 2, 2024.
Among the signatories are the Audiovisual Alliance (AA), ACE Traductores, Association of Stage Directors of Spain (ADE), Federation of Illustrators Associations of Spain (FADIP), State Federation of Dance Companies and Professional Enterprises (FECED), and Union of Proofreaders (UNICO).