SAG-AFTRA Union Secures AI Music Protections in New Deal
The Hollywood performers and music professionals’ union, SAG-AFTRA, has recently reached a tentative agreement with major record labels to include protections against the use of AI in the music industry. This deal involves prominent music labels such as Warner Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, and Disney Music Group.
The increased prevalence of AI technology has raised concerns within the entertainment industry, with AI-generated music becoming a significant issue. In response to this, SAG-AFTRA negotiated for new protections that require consent and compensation from music artists before their voice can be digitally replicated using AI in sound recordings.
The agreement stipulates that terms like ‘artist,’ ‘singer,’ and ‘royalty artist’ may only refer to human musicians, ensuring that the essence of music remains rooted in genuine human expression and experience. Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator of SAG-AFTRA, emphasized the importance of protecting its members from the potential impacts of AI on the music industry.
Furthermore, Disney has established a task force to explore the incorporation of AI, specifically GenAI, into its entertainment productions. The goal is to develop AI applications that can enhance Disney’s creative output, as experts believe that GenAI will have a significant impact on the media industry.
Josep Bori, GlobalData thematic research director, highlighted the potential implications of GenAI on the entertainment sector, suggesting that supporting actors and extras could be replaced by AI-driven software in the future. The evolving landscape of AI in music and entertainment underscores the importance of establishing safeguards to protect artists’ rights and ensure the authenticity of creative expression.
The recent agreement between SAG-AFTRA and major record labels represents a significant step towards addressing the challenges posed by AI in the music industry, setting a precedent for future collaborations that prioritize the interests of artists and creators.
