Sony Music warns unauthorised use of content to train AI

Sony Music warns unauthorised use of content to train AI is profiled by BTW Media because published evidence links it to internet infrastructure, governance, operational dependencies, or market visibility.

• Sony Music has issued warnings to tech companies and music streaming services regarding the unauthorised use of its music for AI training.
• Sony Music is committed to protecting its intellectual property in the Age of AI to safeguard artists’ rights.
• The letter asks for specifics from recipients, such as the Sony songs used for AI training, how they were accessed, the number of copies made, and the current status of those copies.

Sony Music has issued warnings to over 700 tech companies and music streaming services regarding the unauthorised use of its music for AI training. According to a letter obtained by TechCrunch, Sony Music believes that some recipients may have already engaged in such unauthorised uses.

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Protecting intellectual property

Sony Music acknowledges the potential of AI but stresses that the unauthorised use of its content for AI training, development, or commercialisation deprives the company and its artists of control and fair compensation. The company’s extensive portfolio includes major artists like Harry Styles, Beyoncé, Adele, and Celine Dion.

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Sony Music is committed to protecting its intellectual property, which encompasses audio and audiovisual recordings, cover artwork, metadata, lyrics, and more. The letter requests detailed information from recipients, including which Sony songs were used for AI training, how they were accessed, the number of copies made, and the current status of those copies.

Rising AI-related copyright issues

This move by Sony Music comes amid increasing concerns about copyright infringement with the rise of generative AI. Streaming platforms like Spotify are experiencing a surge in AI-generated music, and even artists are exploring AI technologies. Recently, Drake faced backlash for using AI to deepfake the late rapper Tupac.

Legislation to protect copyright

In a related development, California Democratic Representative Adam Schiff introduced legislation last month that would require AI companies to disclose which copyrighted songs were used for AI training. Additionally, Tennessee became the first U.S. state to protect artists against AI misuse with the Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security (ELVIS) Act signed by Governor Bill Lee in March.

Deadline for legal enforcement

Recipients of the letter have been given a deadline to respond. Sony Music has made it clear that it will enforce its copyright to the fullest extent allowed by law across all jurisdictions.