More than 200 Spanish-language writers, including David Uclés, Javier Cercas, and Dolores Redondo, have signed a manifesto denouncing the use of their work to train artificial intelligence (AI) systems, calling it an “authentic plundering” of their creative output. The authors, united under the banner of the Conferencia de Asociaciones de Escritoras y Escritores (Conference of Associations of Writers and Writers), are urging government regulators to address the issue and establish clear rules governing the use of copyrighted material in the development of generative AI. This growing concern over AI and intellectual property reflects a broader debate unfolding globally about the rights of creators in the age of rapidly advancing technology.
The manifesto, made public on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, argues that the current practice of using literary works to “train” AI models without consent or compensation constitutes a violation of authors’ rights. The writers fear that these systems, capable of generating text in various styles, could ultimately devalue their work and undermine the literary profession. The core of the dispute centers on whether the use of copyrighted material falls under fair use or requires licensing and remuneration. The authors are seeking legal frameworks that protect their intellectual property and ensure they benefit from the commercial applications of AI that rely on their creations.
A United Front for Authors’ Rights
The Conferencia de Asociaciones de Escritoras y Escritores was established in 2024 as a unified voice for Spanish-language writers, aiming to promote the protection of their rights and facilitate dialogue with government authorities, according to a press release from CEDRO. The organization’s formation signaled a growing recognition of the need for collective action in the face of evolving challenges to the literary ecosystem. Previously, the group operated as a conference, but transformed to allow for a more consistent and unified approach to advocating for writers’ demands, as noted by ACEs escritores.
The list of signatories to the manifesto reads like a who’s who of contemporary Spanish-language literature. Alongside Uclés, Cercas, and Redondo, prominent names include Julia Navarro, Cristina Peri Rossi, Enrique Vila Matas, David Trueba, Loquillo, and Luis Mateo Díez. Notably, the manifesto also carries the support of the heirs of Miguel Delibes and Ana María Matute, two giants of 20th-century Spanish literature, demonstrating the intergenerational concern surrounding this issue.
The Global Debate on AI and Literature
The concerns raised by the Spanish writers are not isolated. A similar debate is currently raging in the United States, where authors are also protesting the use of their work to train AI models. El Mundo reports that the use of AI in literature has “unleashed a battle” in the U.S., with many seeing it as “an attack on their own community.” The article highlights the tension between the potential benefits of AI as a tool for writers and the ethical and legal implications of its use without proper safeguards.
The core question is whether the use of copyrighted material for AI training constitutes transformative use, a legal doctrine that allows for the use of copyrighted material without permission under certain circumstances. AI developers argue that training AI models is a transformative process, as it creates something modern and different from the original works. Yet, authors counter that this argument ignores the economic value of their work and the potential for AI to replace human creativity.
What’s Next for Regulation?
The Spanish writers are specifically calling on administrations to regulate the use of generative AI and to ensure that authors are fairly compensated for the use of their work. The specifics of what such regulation might glance like remain unclear, but potential solutions include licensing schemes, collective bargaining agreements, and the development of new legal frameworks that address the unique challenges posed by AI. The manifesto serves as a clear signal that the literary community is prepared to fight for its rights in the face of this technological disruption.
The debate over AI and copyright is likely to intensify in the coming months and years, as AI technology continues to evolve and its impact on the creative industries becomes more pronounced. The Conferencia de Asociaciones de Escritoras y Escritores’ manifesto is a significant step in raising awareness of this issue and advocating for a more equitable and sustainable future for writers in the age of AI. The next step will be to see how governments respond to these calls for regulation and whether they can strike a balance between fostering innovation and protecting the rights of creators.
If you are interested in learning more about the impact of AI on the creative industries, resources are available from organizations like the Authors Guild and the Copyright Alliance.
What are your thoughts on the use of AI in literature? Share your comments below and join the conversation.
Worth a look
