4-4-2024 (CALIFORNIA) Over 200 music icons have united to demand an end to the “predatory” exploitation of generative AI technology in the music industry.
In an open letter signed by industry heavyweights including Billie Eilish, Sam Smith, Jon Bon Jovi, Nicki Minaj, and Katy Perry, machine-learning software companies were urged to implement stricter regulations to safeguard against the misuse of AI technology.
The letter, orchestrated by the non-profit organization Artist Rights Alliance (ARA), emphasized the need for protection against the exploitation of AI to replicate professional artists’ voices and images, violate creators’ rights, and disrupt the music landscape.
“We firmly believe that AI, when used ethically, holds immense potential to enhance human creativity and foster innovative musical experiences for fans worldwide,” the letter stated. “However, certain platforms and developers are employing AI in ways that undermine artists, songwriters, musicians, and rights holders. Irresponsible AI usage poses significant threats to privacy, identity, music, and livelihoods.”
The letter highlighted concerns that major corporations are utilizing artists’ work without consent to train AI models, aiming to replace human-created content with AI-generated “sounds” and “images.” Such actions could severely diminish royalty payments for artists, particularly for those striving to sustain themselves in the industry.
The ARA cautioned that unregulated AI technology would depreciate musicians’ contributions, triggering a detrimental race to the bottom that would erode the value of artistic work and impede fair compensation.
Jen Jacobsen, Executive Director at ARA, expressed grave concerns over the implications of unchecked machine-learning software, noting the added challenges for musicians navigating the streaming landscape.
“Working musicians are already grappling with the financial strains of the streaming era, and now they face the additional hurdle of competing against a flood of AI-generated content,” Jacobsen stated. “The unethical use of generative AI threatens to devalue the entire music ecosystem, impacting both artists and fans alike.”
