YouTube is allegedly offering major music labels payments to license their songs for AI training, according to the Financial Times. This move aims to address concerns about using copyrighted materials in AI model training. Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, and Warner Records are reportedly in talks with the Google-owned platform. However, the final decision will likely rest with individual artists.
Many musicians are hesitant to allow AI to use their work. In April 2023, over 200 artists signed an open letter emphasizing the need to protect professional artists’ voices, likenesses, and creators’ rights from predatory AI practices. They argue that unchecked AI use could undermine the music ecosystem.
In November, YouTube launched Dream Track, a tool allowing select creators to use the lyrics and voices of singers like John Legend and Charli XCX. Despite this initiative, only ten artists participated in the test. YouTube now aims to involve “dozens” of artists in an AI song generator.
Record labels are actively defending their copyrighted content. On June 24, Sony, Universal, and Warner filed a lawsuit against music generators Suno and Omio for large-scale copyright infringement. They are seeking injunctions and up to $150,000 per infringed work.
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