Sony Music, the powerhouse behind chart-topping artists such as Beyoncé, Harry Styles, and Doja Cat, has taken a firm stance against tech companies using its songs to train AI models without permission. The music giant recently sent a letter to over 700 companies, requesting disclosure of any unauthorized use of its music and how it was utilized in AI training.
The letter emphasizes Sony Music’s commitment to safeguarding intellectual property rights, including album cover art and song lyrics. By prohibiting the unauthorized use of its music in AI, Sony Music aims to ensure that its artists are properly compensated and informed about the use of their creative work.
This move comes amidst growing concerns within the music industry about the exploitation of artists’ work in AI development. Last month, over 200 musicians and songwriters, including big names like Billie Eilish and Katy Perry, denounced tech companies for using their music without proper authorization for AI training purposes.
While tech companies like Google and OpenAI continue to advance music AI capabilities, Sony Music’s revenue has seen significant growth. In the fiscal year ending on March 31, Sony Music reported a revenue of $11.05 billion, a nearly 17% increase from the previous year, largely attributed to heightened streaming subscriptions.
As the intersection of AI and music industry practices evolves, the protection of intellectual property rights remains a critical issue. Sony Music’s proactive measures underscore the importance of respecting artists’ creative work and ensuring fair compensation in the age of advancing AI technologies.
