Universal Music asks streaming platforms to stop AI accessing artists’ tracks

Universal Music Group (UMG) has demanded streaming platforms prohibit AI companies from exploiting music from their artists’ archives and using it to train their AI software.

In a message sent out last month, the Financial Times reported that platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music received a request.

Verified by Billboard, UMG stated in an email that they knew about AI services that had been taught with tunes protected by copyright laws without acquiring the necessary permissions from their creators.

“We will not hesitate to take steps to protect our rights and those of our artists,” reads the mail.

It is unknown what legal action UMG could or would be prepared to take concerning AI and copyrighted material because the existing regulations in this area must be clarified and solved.

In a declaration, UMG noted: “We have a moral and commercial responsibility to our artists to work to prevent the unauthorised use of their music and to stop platforms from ingesting content that violates the rights of artists and other creators.

“We expect our platform partners will want to prevent their services from being used in ways that harm artists,” it continued.

Large volumes of “inputs” are used to teach AI software and platforms, which translates to millions of audio tracks and songs when it comes to music. In October 2022, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) expressed concern that musicians’ copyrights were being violated.

It was stated that some websites use artificial intelligence to replicate vocals, instrumentals, or sections of instrumental music from a sound recording. Furthermore, they are capable of creating, mastering, and remixing recordings that are close to those of famous sound recording artists.