Portuguese artists spark European movement for tighter AI regulation.
Nearly Twenty Portuguese Creatives Rally for EU AI Regulation and Copyright Safeguards
Internationally, almost 20 artists from Portugal have joined the #StayTrueToTheAct movement, urging the European Union to implement stringent AI regulations and strengthen copyright protections.
European Musicians Launch Campaign Calling for AI Regulation
Urban artists across Europe have launched a coordinated appeal urging the European Commission to impose stricter rules on artificial intelligence, especially concerning the use of copyrighted content in model training.
Key Elements of the #StayTrueToTheAct Campaign
- Participants: Around 30 musicians, including 17 Portuguese artists, joined the movement.
- Objective: Raise awareness among policymakers about the urgency of enforcing intellectual property protections within AI systems.
- Method: Creation and sharing of video testimonials featuring musicians from across the continent.
- Message: The European Union must create an environment where technology and the creative economy coexist in harmony.
Notable Voices Behind the Movement
Among the campaign’s endorsers are well‑known artists such as Calema, Dino Santiago, Diogo Pícarra, and Pedro Abrunhosa. Each has produced videos that highlight the necessity of safeguarding artistic works.
Pedro Abrunhosa’s Perspective
“Art is profoundly human—rooted in experience, intuition, emotion, and the very essence of our shared humanity,” he states. “A generative AI must not appropriate these feelings or claim ownership of them. I refuse for my music or image to serve as training data for such systems. I urge the Commission to uphold human dignity and enforce the AI Act, which has already secured consensus.”
A Spanish Contribution
Spanish singer‑songwriter Alejandro Sanz joined the initiative, advocating for increased transparency and consent in AI operations involving musical content.
How to Follow the Movement
- Visit the campaign’s official <a href="https://instagram.com/ifpiorg” target=”blank”>Instagram page to view the full set of videos.
- Engage with the hashtag #StayTrueToTheAct to join the conversation and support the call for legislative action.
By aligning technological progress with the rights and dignity of creators, the campaign aims to secure a balanced future where innovation thrives without compromising artistic integrity.
Artists fear weakening of European AI law
EU Unveils First Global AI Rules, Pushing for Transparency and Accountability
In mid‑2024, the European Union became the world’s pioneer in establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for artificial intelligence. The new law introduces a suite of transparency mandates aimed at generative AI, insisting that developers disclose the datasets and materials used to train their models.
Key Transparency Provisions
- Dataset Disclosure: AI companies must reveal the raw content that fed their training algorithms.
- Model Documentation: Detailed technical records of how models were built and evaluated need to be publicly accessible.
- Output Monitoring: Results produced by AI systems are subject to continuous scrutiny to ensure they remain accurate and unbiased.
While the legislation is groundbreaking, critics warn that the European Commission may dilute its enforcement. Reports suggest that without stringent oversight, AI firms could escape full responsibility, undermining the law’s protective intent.
Artists Rise to Protect Their Rights
Prompted by a potential erosion of IP protections in the AI era, the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (Ipfi) has launched a campaign urging the European Commission to uphold the original statute. Portuguese copyright body Audiogest has joined the effort, signifying a united front across the continent.
This movement is open to all artists, musicians, and cultural creators who wish to amplify their concerns about AI-generated content potentially infringing on licensed works. By rallying together, they hope to secure a fair legal environment that respects creative ownership.
How You Can Get Involved
- Sign the digital petition hosted by Ipfi.
- Share the campaign on social media using the hashtag #ProtectOurArt.
- Participate in upcoming webinars to learn how AI could impact your work.
- Contact your national copyright office to report any suspected infringement.
Stand with your fellow creatives—ensure that AI innovation does not come at the cost of artistic dignity.
