The issue of copyright infringement has become a major concern with the rise of generative AI, which is being used to create various types of content. Sony, along with the rest of the industry, is trying to balance the creative potential of AI technology with the protection of artists' rights and its own profits. Other music groups, like Universal Music Group, have also taken strong measures against unauthorized use of their content by AI companies.
Key takeaways:
- Sony Music Group has warned AI companies and music streaming platforms against using its content without explicit permission, sending letters to over 700 companies to protect its intellectual property.
- Unauthorized use of Sony's content in the training, development, or commercialization of AI systems deprives the company and its artists of control and compensation for their works.
- Universal Music Group NV has also taken strong actions against unauthorized use of its content, including pulling its entire catalog of music off of TikTok and suing AI startup Anthropic for publishing song lyrics without permission.
- Synthetic speech startup Lovo Inc. is facing a proposed class action lawsuit for allegedly misappropriating actors’ voices and deceptively promoting its product as legally marketing their use.