Spotify has revealed a collaboration with the globe’s largest music enterprise to create “responsible” artificial intelligence tools that honor artists’ copyrights.
The leading music streaming service is teaming up with major labels Sony, Universal, and Warner to develop innovative AI solutions, featuring renowned artists like Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran, and Taylor Swift.
While Spotify has yet to disclose specifics about the new product, the company assures that artists will not be compelled to participate and that copyright protections will be upheld.
In a blog post announcing the partnership, Spotify pointedly referenced the radical views on copyright present in some segments of the tech industry. Ongoing tensions have already prompted three major labels to initiate lawsuits against AI companies that offer tools for generating music from user input.
“Some in the tech sector advocate for the elimination of copyright,” Spotify stated. “We do not. Artist rights are important. Copyrights are vital. Without leadership from the music industry, AI-driven innovations will occur elsewhere, lacking rights, consent, and fair compensation.”
Copyright, a legal protection preventing unauthorized use of one’s work, has become a contentious issue between creative sectors and technology firms. The tech industry often utilizes publicly accessible copyrighted material to build AI tools, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Anthropic’s Claude.
Three key music companies are suing two AI music startups, Udio and Suno, for alleged copyright violations, alongside similar legal actions in other creative domains. Both Udio and Suno maintain that their technology aims to generate original music rather than replicate the works of specific artists.
Universal Music Group’s head, Sir Lucian Grainge, indicated in a memo to staff that the label will seek approval from artists before licensing their voices or songs to AI firms.
One notorious music deepfake emerged in 2023: “Heart on My Sleeve,” featuring AI-generated vocals by Drake and The Weeknd, was removed from streaming platforms after Universal criticized it as infringing on rights related to AI-generated content.
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With 276 million paid subscribers, Spotify also announced the establishment of an advanced generative AI research laboratory to create “innovative experiences” for fans and artists. The company from Stockholm stated that these products will open new revenue avenues for artists and songwriters, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their work while also providing clarity regarding their contributions.
In conjunction with its AI initiative, Spotify is also collaborating with Merlin, a digital rights organization for independent labels, and Believe, a French digital music label. Currently, Spotify employs AI to curate playlists and create customized DJs.
Leaders from the three prominent companies welcomed the agreement, with Sony Music Group Chairman Rob Stringer noting that this would necessitate direct licensing of artists’ work prior to introducing new products. Universal’s Grainge expressed his desire for a “thriving commercial ecosystem” in which both the music and tech industries can prosper. Warner Music Group’s Robert Kinkle voiced support for Spotify’s “considerate AI regulations.”
Source: www.theguardian.com
