Spain proposes new regulations for generative AI in the arts

Spain's Ministry of Labor and Social Economy, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, is introducing a draft organic law to regulate the use of generative artificial intelligence within the artistic sector. The proposal aims to protect the labor rights, image rights, and employment security of artists.

A key provision of the draft law is that the use of digital replicas of actors, musicians, or other creators must be explicitly authorized through consent, negotiated conditions, and compensation. For instance, a digital scan authorized for a specific production cannot be automatically used for sequels or prequels unless specifically stipulated in the employment contract.

The regulation also addresses the generation of new content via AI, requiring that such content remains significantly faithful to the original performance or execution. The initiative follows previous criticisms regarding the vulnerability of cultural workers and seeks to integrate these technological advancements into collective bargaining frameworks.