Christos Makridis’ Post

Warner Music Group (WMG) and Sony Music have recently urged tech companies to refrain from using their music to train AI without permission. This development highlights the growing tension between the music industry and AI firms. Supporters of AI Training argue that using existing music to train AI models can lead to innovative advancements in music creation, providing new opportunities for artists and the industry as a whole. They believe that AI can be a tool for enhancing creativity and exploring uncharted musical territories. Opponents of Unauthorized Use stress the importance of protecting artists’ rights and maintaining the integrity of copyrighted material. They contend that using music without permission undermines the value of creative work and can result in legal and ethical complications. As we navigate this evolving landscape, it’s clear that a balance must be struck. Protecting artists’ rights is crucial, but so is fostering innovation in AI. How do you think we can achieve this balance? https://lnkd.in/eWc2fPCp

Sony Music Takes a Stand Against Unauthorised AI Training ... Sony Music Group has issued warnings to over 700 tech companies and music streaming services, stating that using its music to train AI systems without permission is unacceptable. The message is clear: using Sony's vast music catalogue to train AI systems without explicit permission is prohibited. This highlights the tension between the music industry and AI advancements. With generative AI rapidly producing music, copyright infringement concerns are rising. Sony aims to protect intellectual property and ensure artists are compensated and in control. This move is part of a broader discussion on AI and intellectual property, including new legislation such as the European Union’s recently passed AI Act, which requires AI developers to publicly disclose the content used to train their AI models to safeguard creators' rights. Good move Sony! – It’s crucial for AI developers and creative industries to balance innovation with respect and fairness. 🌐🧠 https://lnkd.in/e9K6zprR #AI #MusicIndustry #Innovation #Copyright #ArtificialIntelligence #TechNews #DigitalTransformation

We have to hope that if negotiations occur - as they should - that pass through for artist royalties (mechanical and recording) yields more than 10^(-4) per “play” (tokenization, call, sample, etc. etc.). Something tells me artist/rights societies like SoundExchange , The Mechanical Licensing Collective , ASCAP (etc., etc.) are going to have to put feet on the dais in addition to/in concert with/in spite of whatever the majors do re: licensing for generative AI.

Last year, as generative AI technology began to raise concerns in the music industry, Universal Music Group (UMG) embarked on a mission to safeguard artists' interests while embracing the benefits of this emerging technology. In collaboration with the Recording Industry Association of America, UMG spearheaded the Human Artistry Campaign (HAC), advocating for responsible AI use in creative endeavors while protecting artists' rights. HAC works to establish policy frameworks that define guidelines for the ethical and responsible use of AI in creative processes, ensuring that AI technologies respect copyrights, artists' likenesses, and other intellectual property rights. UMG's CEO, Lucian Grainge, emphasizes the importance of prioritizing artists in AI integration, stating that responsible AI enhances human creativity. Through initiatives like the AI Incubator with YouTube and strategic partnerships with platforms like BandLab, UMG aims to empower artists while navigating the evolving digital landscape. Moreover, UMG is revolutionizing the royalty model in streaming platforms to better reward artists. By advocating for artist-centric payment schemes and addressing concerns over AI-generated content, UMG is reshaping the industry's financial landscape. As UMG continues its artist-centric initiatives and expands partnerships, it remains committed to strengthening artist-fan relationships and enhancing opportunities for creative expression in the digital age. David Salazar's article underscores UMG's proactive approach in championing artists' rights and fostering innovation in the music industry.

In case you missed it, Sony Music Entertainment has sent a declaration to 700 AI companies not to use their music catalog as training data, which they say would constitute copyright infringement. I assume the list includes Suno and Udio, which are incredible, but seem extremely likely to be trained on copyrighted music. Sony notes that they are open to negotiating licenses. And they set a deadline of later this month for responses. Licensing is gaining momentum, and content owners are finally starting to gain their footing. I think when we look back a few years from now, we will observe two key inflection points for this nascent market. The first is happening now, as AI companies gradually begin to license data that is cleaner than scraped data or that is difficult to obtain as "publicly available". The second will be once a legal case or two start to move in directions that threaten AI directly. Then there will be a rush to license rights before models risk needing to be shelved, and business terms will shift dramatically in favor of copyright owners. AI companies that are acting with foresight would be smart to engage in serious negotiations before that second inflection point strikes. #ai #ethicalai Calliope Networks https://lnkd.in/g_FmbvPv

This article from Complete Music Update highlights growing concerns within the music industry about the potential misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The music industry fears AI being used to create derivative works or manipulate streaming platforms without proper attribution or compensation for original creators. The article argues that the recently implemented EU AI Act needs to be more effectively enforced to safeguard the rights of creators in the digital age. The music industry seeks clear regulations to prevent AI from undermining artistic ownership and devaluing original works. The article implies that the music industry is: While recognizing AI's potential, the industry fears its misuse could stifle creativity and financial reward for artists. The music industry needs robust legal frameworks to ensure AI is used ethically and responsibly. The article doesn't offer definitive solutions, but suggests a collaborative approach: Clearly defined regulations to protect intellectual property and ensure fairness in AI-driven music creation. Working with AI developers to ensure fair compensation for creators and maintain a healthy music ecosystem. #AI #MusicIndustry #EUAIact #Copyright #MusicProduction https://lnkd.in/dudQD_fH

The rise of generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) could put at risk 23 per cent of revenues by music creators over the next four years costing the industry more than half a billion dollars, according to a new report by music rights organisation APRA AMCOS. While the music industry is among the early adopters of Gen AI, some 82 per ce... https://lnkd.in/gp2SvxVc

#AI, Music labels sue AI copycat startups Major music companies are suing two generative AI startups that allow users to compose new tracks using text prompts, alleging that they infringed on artist and labels' copyrights in creating the tools.   Plaintiffs in the cases, which include the three largest record companies -- Universal Music Group, Sony Music Group and Warner Music Group -- allege that Suno and Udio used copyrighted works scraped from the internet to train models that underpin their products.   The companies have allowed users to generate sound-a-likes of recordings including The Temptations' "My Girl," Green Day's "American Idiot" and Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas," along with recordings by Chuck Berry and James Brown, according to the suits, brought by trade group the Recording Industry Association of America.   The suits also allege that the services have produced vocals RIAA says are indistinguishable from famous artists, including Lin-Manuel Miranda, Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson and ABBA.   "Our technology is transformative; it is designed to generate completely new outputs, not to memorize and regurgitate pre-existing content," Suno Chief Executive Mikey Shulman said in a written statement. The company doesn't allow users to reference specific artists in their prompts, he said.   "Suno continues to dodge the basic question: What sound recordings have they illegally copied?" a spokeswoman for the RIAA said.   The lawsuits filed last week are the latest in a stream of legal challenges related to how new artificial-intelligence models are trained on artists' work. They are a sign of an intensifying fight between creative industries and Silicon Valley over emerging technologies that are transforming how consumers interact with art.   The cases seek declaration by the court that the two companies infringed on copyrighted sound recordings, injunctions barring them from using that material in the future and damages, including as much as $150,000 per work infringed   Universal last week announced an agreement with SoundLabs to allow its artists to create vocal models using their own voice data for training while retaining control over ownership and giving them full artistic approval and control over the output.   Universal and Warner have also formed partnerships with YouTube to allow some of their artists -- including country singer Rosanne Cash, composer Max Richter and rapper Yo Gotti -- to explore the future of music royalties and creative expression as generative AI tools make it easier for internet users to manipulate art. #AI, #RB

“US performance rights organization SoundExchange says that it is developing a global artificial intelligence registry for sound recording creators and rights owners. The plan is for the registry to allow rightsholders to either opt in or opt out of having their recordings used by developers to train AI models; and for AI developers to reference the database of “authorization declarations” before ingesting recordings to train their AI.” “The PRO claims that the registry, which can be used by rightsholders on a voluntary basis, “will provide a much-needed resource for creators and rights owners to protect their rights related to the use of their content in AI models”. SoundExchange expects the AI registry to launch in Q1 2025 an will use SoundExchange’s ISRC (international standard recording code) database. The PRO noted that “while US law does not require such a reservation to protect creators’ rights, the global registry will be another tool to help AI companies properly handle their training data and to help facilitate similar protections in Europe and elsewhere”. Record labels and other rights owners would also still be able to reserve rights individually with AI companies. In July, Warner Music Group sent a letter to tech companies declaring that its content can only be used to train AI with the music company’s permission. Sony Music Group sent a letter to some 700 AI developers and digital service providers (DSPs) in May.” Read the article for more: #SoundExchange #ISRC #AI #AIModels #AIAlgorithms #AIRegistry #Global #Training #AITraining #AITools #ArtificialIntelligence #IP #IntelectualProperty #GenerativeAi #GeAi #Copyright #DerechoDeAutor #DroitdAuteur #Music #MusicBusiness #Musica #MusicIndustry #Musique #Musik #MusicBiz #RecordingRoyalties #SoundRecordings #CMOs #PROs #DSPs #InteligenciaArtificial #InteligenciaArtificialGenerativa #IntelligenceArtificielle #IntelligenceArtificielleGénérative #GenerativeKünstlicheIntelligenz #KünstlicheIntelligenz #WMG #WarnerMusicGroup #SMG #SonyMusicGroup

🚨 Sony Music Group is taking a stand! 🚨 In a bold move, Sony Music Entertainment has issued a warning to over 700 tech companies and music streaming services. The message is clear: Do not use Sony's music to train AI without explicit permission. 🎶 The letter states Sony Music has "reason to believe" some recipients "may already have made unauthorized uses" of its content. While Sony recognizes AI's "significant potential," the company emphasizes the importance of "control and appropriate compensation" for their artists, including big names like Harry Styles, Beyoncé, Adele, and Celine Dion. 🌟 Here's the crux of Sony's stance: 1) Protecting intellectual property: audio, audiovisual recordings, cover artwork, metadata, lyrics, and more. 2) Requesting detailed reports from recipients on which songs were used, how they were accessed, and if any copies remain. The letter's deadline for responses underscores Sony's commitment to enforce copyright laws to the fullest extent. This move is timely, as the rise of generative AI has stirred concerns about copyright infringement. Notably, AI-generated music flooding streaming services like Spotify and incidents like Drake's controversial AI-deepfake of Tupac highlight the urgency. Legislative efforts are also ramping up. Last month, Rep. Adam Schiff introduced a bill requiring AI companies to disclose which copyrighted songs they used for training. Similarly, Tennessee's new ELVIS Act protects artists' likenesses against AI misuse. As the AI landscape evolves, Sony Music's proactive measures set a precedent for protecting creative rights in the digital age. What's your take on this move by Sony Music? Let's discuss! 💬 #SonyMusic #AI #Copyright #MusicIndustry #ArtificialIntelligence #IntellectualProperty #TechNews #DigitalRights #MusicRights #GenerativeAI #Innovation #Technology #CreativeRights #MusicBusiness #TechIndustry