MusicFreaks

Tag: Copyright issues

  • TIDAL will not pay royalties to AI-generated songs as they share new policy

    The music industry is currently navigating a fascinating, yet fraught, new frontier: the rise of artificial intelligence in composition. What started as a technological advancement has rapidly morphed into an economic and ethical crisis, prompting major streaming platforms to draw a hard line against entirely AI-generated music.

    One of the most prominent moves comes from TIDAL, which has introduced a sweeping new policy aimed at ensuring fairness for human artists. The platform has confirmed it will no longer pay royalties to any music created entirely by artificial intelligence, signaling a serious shift in how digital compensation is handled.

    The impetus behind this change stems from growing concerns about the authenticity of the content. A recent study revealed that a staggering 97 per cent of people cannot reliably tell the difference between genuine human-made music and music generated by AI.

    This uncertainty isn’t just academic; it has immediate economic consequences. Previous revelations, such as Deezer‘s finding that 28 per cent of uploaded music was fully AI-generated, fed into a broader fear: that workers in the music sector could lose nearly a quarter of their income to Artificial Intelligence over the next four years.

    In response to this escalating situation, TIDAL is taking concrete action. Effective July 15th, they will implement measures to police the platform:

    • 100% AI-generated tracks will be clearly labeled and will not earn royalties.
    • Any content designed to impersonate existing artists will be removed.
    • Users will have the option to filter out all 100 per cent of AI-generated content from their streams.

    TIDAL’s policy is formally outlined in a new framework titled “Promoting Fairness and Economic Empowerment in the Era of AI-Generated Music.” While the platform acknowledges that artists should have the freedom to utilize AI tools for creation, they prioritize ensuring that royalties flow directly to original works produced by people.

    The goal is clear: protecting the economic foundation of music creation. This stance reflects a wider industry movement where various bodies and artists are demanding consent before engaging in any AI deals, pushing back against plans that allow AI firms to exploit copyrighted material without compensation.

    The response from established players mirrors this trend. Spotify has also stepped up its efforts, removing millions of “spammy tracks” and targeting impersonators. Furthermore, platforms like Deezer have deployed tools designed to detect AI-generated music across multiple playlists, demonstrating a collective effort to manage the chaotic landscape of algorithmic creation.

    The debate over AI in art is increasingly moving from a niche technological discussion to a fundamental question about ownership, value, and fairness. As society grapples with these complex issues, the future of music will depend on finding a sustainable balance between creative freedom and economic accountability.

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    Credit: NME

  • SZA Warns AI Is Exploiting Black Artists, Calls Out Diplo

    The music world is currently wrestling with an enormous ethical question: what happens when artificial intelligence learns from the collective genius of human creativity? A recent investigation has brought this tension into sharp focus, revealing how massive datasets of recorded music are being utilized to train sophisticated AI generators.

    The scope of the data used in these training processes is staggering. Investigations have uncovered over 21 million recordings spread across four distinct datasets, a trove that includes the work of some of the most iconic figures in music history. From grunge legends like Nirvana to global superstars such as Bad Bunny, the raw material feeding the algorithms represents a vast cultural inheritance.

    The conversation around these digital archives is not just technical; it touches upon issues of ownership, compensation, and artistic exploitation. As AI models become increasingly capable of mimicking human sound and style, questions arise about who benefits from this technology and whose creative work forms the foundation of the machine’s intelligence.

    This pressing concern has sparked a vocal response from artists themselves. One prominent voice calling out these practices is SZA, who has publicly addressed the issues surrounding how AI interacts with cultural representations.

    SZA’s commentary sharpened the focus on systemic inequalities within the industry. She spoke out directly about concerns that these AI systems risk exploiting and misrepresenting Black artists in the digital space, prompting a wider conversation about equity in the AI music landscape. Her warnings also brought attention to the broader context of power dynamics operating behind the scenes of digital creation, echoing calls for accountability from industry figures like Diplo.

    The convergence of massive data collection and artistic expression is forcing a reckoning. As technology accelerates, the focus must shift toward ensuring that innovation is paired with ethical practices that protect the rights and compensation of the artists whose work fuels the future of AI music. The challenge now lies in developing systems where technological advancement respects the humanity behind the melodies.

    Credit: Stereogum