Sony Music Group, one of the largest record labels globally, has issued a strong warning to artificial intelligence (AI) companies and music streaming platforms against unauthorized use of its content. This move highlights the growing concern among content creators and copyright holders regarding the use of their intellectual property in AI model training without proper permission.
In an effort to protect its intellectual property, Sony Music Group, representing artists such as Lil Nas X and Celine Dion, has sent letters to over 700 companies, cautioning them against using its content without permission. This includes not only the music and lyrics, but also the album cover art and metadata. Additionally, Sony Music is urging major streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple to adopt “best practices” in safeguarding its music from misuse and copyright infringement by updating their terms of service.
In its letter, Sony Music Group states, “However, unauthorized use of SMG Content in the training, development or commercialization of AI systems deprives SMG Companies and SMG Talent of control over and appropriate compensation for the uses of SMG Content, conflicts with the normal exploitation of those works, unreasonably prejudices our legitimate interests, and infringes our intellectual property and other rights.”
This initiative by Sony highlights the ongoing tension between technology companies that rely heavily on data for AI training and content creators who seek to protect their intellectual property rights. AI models often require extensive datasets to enhance their accuracy and performance, with music content serving as a valuable source. However, Sony’s message is clear: the use of its content for AI training without permission from the owner is strictly prohibited.
This warning from Sony Music Group is just one example of the measures copyright holders are taking to safeguard their content from unauthorized use. The legal system in the United States is still adapting to address these issues. While AI technology holds immense potential, its rapid development has outpaced legal protection for content creators.
The European Union (EU) has urged copyright owners to publicly state that they do not permit the use of their content for AI purposes without permission. Sony’s proactive stance aligns with this guidance, positioning the company as a model for others to emulate. As AI transforms various industries, the need for clear and enforceable regulations becomes increasingly urgent.
Instances of songs using AI-generated vocals have already surfaced on the internet. Last year, a song titled “heart on my sleeve,” created by an anonymous musician known as “ghostwriter,” went viral due to its resemblance to the voices of Drake and The Weeknd. However, it was swiftly removed from streaming platforms following a copyright claim by Universal Music Group.
Universal Music Group accused TikTok of unfair compensation to its artists and employing “intimidating” tactics during contract negotiations earlier this year. Recently, the two parties reached a new agreement that includes “industry-leading” protections concerning generative AI.
This step comes as copyright infringement becomes a significant issue with the rising use of generative AI, leading to streaming services like Spotify being flooded with music created by AI. AI is also being utilized by artists themselves, as seen when Drake faced criticism for deepfaking the late rapper Tupac last month.
Artists are increasingly demanding protection for their works from AI. Over 200 artists signed an open letter last month, urging AI developers, tech companies, and digital music services to commit to not using AI in ways that would “weaken or replace human artistry of songwriters and artists.”
California Democratic Representative Adam Schiff recently introduced a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives that, if passed, would require AI companies to disclose the copyrighted songs they used to train their AI systems. In March, Tennessee became the first state in America to protect artists from AI infringement when Governor Bill Lee signed the ELVIS Act.
