Sony Music sent a warning letter to over 700 tech companies and streaming platforms. The letter claims unauthorized use of their music (by Billy Joel, Doja Cat, Lil Nas X, etc.) for training AI systems hurts artists and the label financially. This follows similar actions by the music industry against AI voice clones and unauthorized music generation on platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
BeatCurry Team
A report by Bloomberg revealed Sony Music sent letters to hundreds of tech firms, cautioning them against using the label’s content without permission.
The letter reportedly stated that unauthorized use of Sony Music content in AI systems deprives the label and artists of both control and compensation for their work. It was sent to over 700 AI companies and streaming platforms. According to Bloomberg, the letter calls out the “training, development or commercialization of AI systems” that use copyrighted material, including music, art, and lyrics. Sony Music artists include Doja Cat, Billy Joel, Celine Dion, and Lil Nas X, among many others.
Reports indicate the music industry has taken a particularly strong stance on controlling how copyrighted works are used in AI tools. This is allegedly exemplified by stricter rules implemented for the music industry on YouTube, where AI voice clones of musicians became popular last year. Interestingly, YouTube itself has introduced AI music generation tools like Dream Track.
In what is said to be the most visible example of the music copyright and AI fight, Universal Music Group reportedly removed all its artists’ music from TikTok in February after failed licensing negotiations. This action allegedly caused a temporary silence in viral videos as popular songs disappeared from the platform.
However, reports indicate the situation was short-lived. Taylor Swift’s music reportedly reappeared on TikTok silently in April, leading up to her new album release. By early May, a deal was reportedly struck between the two companies, with new protections for AI and “new monetization opportunities” related to e-commerce.
“TikTok and UMG will work together to ensure AI development across the music industry will protect human artistry and the economics that flow to those artists and songwriters,” a press release read.
AI-generated voice clones used to create new songs have allegedly raised questions about an artist’s control over their own voice. These concerns reportedly stem from AI companies training their models on recordings, sometimes without obtaining consent. The models are then allegedly made publicly available to generate new material. However, enforcing the right of publicity and likeness in such situations is said to be challenging due to the varying laws across different parts of the world.
All information sourced from various sources purely for factual reporting purpose only
Image courtesy: TECHEDT
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