The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and major music labels have filed lawsuits against two AI startups, Udio and Suno, for alleged copyright infringement on a large scale. The suits claim that the companies used music owned by the labels to train their generative AI models extensively.
Udio and Suno offer generative music services where users can create music tracks using various keywords or prompts, resulting in a wide range of musical styles with or without vocals. These AI models operate similarly to text or image generators, producing music based on user input.
The use of artificial intelligence has raised concerns about copyright issues, leading to legislation to protect against misuse. The RIAA, representing labels like Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment, is seeking damages of up to $150,000 per piece used by the companies, along with additional fees.
RIAA Chairman and CEO Mitch Glazier emphasized the importance of collaborating with responsible developers to create sustainable AI tools that empower artists and songwriters. The lawsuits aim to address the unauthorized use of copyrighted music by Udio and Suno, which the RIAA deems as exploitative and illegal.
Suno CEO Mikey Shulman defended the company’s practices, stating that their service generates new outputs rather than copying existing content. However, artists such as Drake and Taylor Swift have taken action to prevent AI-generated music based on their original work.
These legal actions highlight the need for ethical and lawful development of generative AI systems and underscore the importance of respecting copyright laws in the digital age. The outcome of these lawsuits will likely shape the future of AI technology and its relationship with the music industry.
