AI Can Be a “Very Real and Present Threat to Human Artistry,” Music Industry Lobbying Group Warns

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On Wednesday, the international association for the recording industry, IFPI, urged policymakers to safeguard music and artistic expression. In a statement, their CEO, Victoria Oakley, emphasized the importance of utilizing artificial intelligence to bolster and elevate human creativity rather than replacing it.

Additionally, during the Global Music Report launch, she commented on AI: “Recording companies recognize AI’s ability to boost creativity among artists and create innovative fan interactions. Yet, it’s undeniable that unauthorized use of copyrighted music by developers of generative AI systems is a genuine and immediate danger to original human artistry.

At a London event on Wednesday for IFPI’s annual Global Music Report, she made remarks about the increase in total trade revenue, which reached $29.6 billion in 2024 – marking the tenth year in a row of growth at 4.8%. This surge was primarily fueled by a significant rise of 9.5% in subscription streaming income, even in a highly competitive market, as reported by IFPI, an international recording industry association.

Oakley shared at the London gathering: “At its peak, AI with a creative flair can prove incredibly beneficial for both artists and consumers. I’ve noticed that AI, when used responsibly, has already been instrumental in significant industry agreements. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that AI might also increase instances of music piracy. We are actively collaborating with policymakers on a global scale, emphasizing the importance of maintaining existing copyright regulations in a generative AI environment. These rules, which have fostered innovation for decades and brought us services like streaming, should be applied consistently. Moreover, the application should be transparent and practical, ensuring fairness for everyone involved.

Oakley found that there lies a substantial hurdle for the sector, as well as policy-makers, in devising an AI system that caters to the needs of creative and technological organizations alike.

During a panel talk at the launch of the IFPI report, industry leaders discussed the potential advantages and risks associated with artificial intelligence.

Cassandra Strauss, a top executive at Universal Music Group (UMG) under CEO Lucian Grainge, highlighted UMG’s application of AI in various areas, including marketing, and its introduction of the Responsible AI Initiative this year. She mentioned that UMG is forging innovative collaborations with private sector entities in the AI field, such as YouTube and SoundLabs. Strauss emphasized that UMG is always seeking ways AI can support and elevate artists’ propositions.

UMG has decided not to collaborate with AI companies that use vast quantities of copyrighted content without obtaining necessary licenses. This is because many of these companies are profiting significantly from the work of artists. Instead, they aim to establish partnerships that prove mutually beneficial.

Dennis Kooker, president of Sony Music Entertainment’s global digital business, expressed a similar sentiment, stating he was “encouraged by the potential” associated with AI. He emphasized that music, being an “emotional, passionate product enjoyed by nearly every person on Earth,” is often impacted early by technological advancements and disruptions.

He explained that many entrepreneurs and big platforms are drawn to working with music because it helps draw, obtain, and keep customers. In other words, it’s crucial for them. He added that if executed correctly, we could pioneer a completely new method of experiencing and interacting with music using AI in the upcoming phase.

However, Kooker emphasized that “realizing this vision will require significant time, energy, and numerous years,” adding that it would involve “a lot of hard work, extensive testing, and plenty of experimentation.” Ultimately, he predicted: “Past experiences tell us we’ll discover the next groundbreaking format. I believe this promises a thrilling future ahead.

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2025-03-19 17:54