As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to develop, the music industry faces a dilemma between songs created by humans and those produced synthetically. Questions surrounding authorship, copyright and licensing remain at the forefront.
While many regions and countries already have regulations in place, Spain has expressed “concerns” about AI “completely replacing” human creators. Cristina Perpiñá-Robert, director general of the Spanish Society of Authors and Publishers (SGAE), voiced this concern on Tuesday (Oct. 20) during a discussion on AI-generated music and the future of creativity at Billboard Latin Music Week. She called for regulations to protect creators.
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“In the U.S., we’re taking an approach in favor of technology and AI. I think it’s the same in Europe,” Perpiñá-Robert said. “The thing is, you know, creators and music creators we’re seeing in Spain, they are using AI. They’re enhancing AI (…) Our biggest concern is not so much the licensing process. It’s the fact that the content which is generated with AI is completely replacing human creators. That’s our concern”.
During the panel, moderated by MIDiA Research’s vp of music strategy, Tatiana Cirisano, and featuring Pierre Hachar Jr., managing partner of The Hachar Law Group, Perpiñá-Robert stated that Spain is concerned that regulation “is not enough,” as creators and authors are being “completely excluded” from the business model. “It’s not only how to license the model, it’s how to prevent creators from not being hired anymore because you can just resort to synthetic music,” she added.
The risk of powerful AI models bypassing human control and harming humanity has become a more pressing concern. In the U.S., President Donald Trump reportedly rejected halting AI development over fears that China could gain an advantage in the technology, according to the Associated Press.
Hachar Jr. revealed that most of his clients are already using AI. “Whether they wanna admit it or not, they’re using AI. Some of them are not, but they’re genius-level songwriters and producers and artists that don’t need to use AI, frankly”.
The executive emphasized that technology always helps foster growth, “whether we like it or not.” He noted that when streaming first emerged, people were resistant to it, but now it’s commonplace. The same happened with production tools like Pro Tools, Reason, Logic and FL Studio.
“[Many said:] ‘Oh, it’s the end of the musician!’ Well, no, it’s the start of a whole new group of people that can explore creativity, right? And that’s the way I see AI,” he said.
Billboard Latin Music Week 2026 coincides with the 2026 Billboard Latin Music Awards, which will air live on Thursday (Oct. 22) from the James L. Knight Center in Miami on Telemundo and Peacock.