Google Explores AI-Generated Music Trend, Concerns about Copyright Arise
Google is reportedly delving into the world of AI-generated music, following in the footsteps of Microsoft, which recently invested in AI company OpenAI. The tech giant has been exploring a potential partnership to develop a tool allowing fans to create AI-generated tracks while ensuring legitimate payment to copyright owners. Warner Music Group has also engaged in discussions with Google about a similar product.
However, as the trend towards AI-generated music gains momentum, concerns surrounding copyright infringement have emerged. This is reminiscent of the early days of YouTube, when users faced copyright battles for incorporating popular songs into their videos. Eventually, agreements for compensation were established.
Celebrities and artists have expressed apprehension about the proliferation of AI-generated music, fearing that it could dilute their own work and voices through counterfeit versions. Notable names such as Frank Sinatra, Johnny Cash, Drake, and The Weeknd have already fallen victim to this technology.
Nevertheless, some artists, like Grimes, have embraced the concept and even offered their voices for use in AI-generated tracks, with royalties being split accordingly.
Amidst these concerns, Universal Music has urged streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple to restrict access to its music catalog for AI technology training, aiming to prevent unauthorized AI services from utilizing their songs.
Google’s interest in creating a music product featuring AI-generated songs aligns with its rivalry against Microsoft, which has incorporated AI models into its own products through its investment in OpenAI. In the past, Google provided a preview of AI-powered music software that generated music based on text descriptions. Subsequently, they released an experimental tool called MusicLM in collaboration with various artists.
As of now, Google shares have gained 0.43% premarket, with each share valued at $132.41.
In summary, Google’s exploration of AI-generated music has sparked concerns about copyright violations, reminiscent of the copyright battles on YouTube. While some artists are apprehensive about the potential dilution of their work, others have embraced the concept and even contributed their voices to AI-generated tracks. Universal Music has urged streaming platforms to prevent unauthorized AI services from accessing its music catalog. Google’s interest in this field aligns with its rivalry against Microsoft, which recently invested in AI company OpenAI. With the increasing integration of AI in music production, the future of the industry remains uncertain.
