As artificial intelligence enters more and more industries and transforms people’s lives and work, a broad coalition of musicians and artists has come together to launch a campaign to ensure that AI is developed and used in a way that supports human culture and art.
The purpose of the Human Art Campaign is to ensure that AI will not replace or “erode” human culture and art, according to a press release issued Thursday, March 16.
Signatories include the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), the Recording Academy, SAG-AFTRA and SoundExchange.
The campaign will roll out what members call the “AI Principles” during a panel at SXSW in Austin on Thursday, March 16, featuring prolific voice actor and songwriter Dan Navarro, singer-songwriter Grammy nominee Jessy Wilson and UT Austin professor and immersive technology expert Erin Reilly.
The group listed seven “fundamental principles for artificial intelligence applications” aimed at supporting human creativity and achievement.
The principles state that: technology has long empowered human expression, and AI will be no different; man-made works will continue to play an essential role in our lives; and the use of copyrighted works, as well as the use of voices and likenesses of professional performers, requires permission, licensing, and compliance with all applicable state and federal laws.
The campaign also stresses that copyright should only protect the unique value of human intellectual creativity; that reliability and transparency are essential to the success of AI and the protection of creators; and that the interests of creators should be represented in policy-making.
The launch of the AI campaign comes amid growing fears that AI will soon replace human creativity following the emergence of more advanced AI technologies like ChatGPT.
“While AI can be an incredible tool, without the protection of real human art, AI could devastate the black creative community that drives so much of popular culture.”
Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, Black Music Action Coalition
Black Music Action Coalition Co-Founder and Co-Chair Willie “Prophet” Stiggers said, “Black songwriters, producers and artists already face an uphill battle for ownership, credit and proper payment in the music industry.
“While AI can be an incredible tool, without the protection of real human art, AI could devastate the black creative community that drives so much of popular culture.”
“Recent developments in AI are remarkable, but we have already seen the costs of reckless rushing without real thought or respect for law and rights.”
Mitch Glazier, RIAA
“Human art is irreplicable. Recent developments in AI are remarkable, but we have already seen the costs of a reckless rush without proper thought or respect for law and rights. Our principles are designed to chart a healthy path for AI innovation that enhances and rewards human artistry, creativity, and performance,” added RIAA President and CEO Mitch Glazier.
NMPA President and CEO Israelite David added that “amazing music comes from individuals”.
“As we face growing AI capabilities, we as an industry are united around the fact that human art must be protected by strong copyright law and policy and that AI tools are developed in a way that does not undermine the value of songwriters’ work.”
David Israelite, NMPA
“As we face growing AI capabilities, we as an industry are united around the fact that human art must be protected by strong copyright law and policy and that AI tools are developed in a way that doesn’t undermine the value of songwriters’ work,” says NMPA President and CEO David Israelite.
Universal Music Group Michael Nash, executive vice president and chief digital officer, noted in a recent editorial on MBW that most AI systems today derive their “knowledge” from vast amounts of copyrighted content without seeking the consent of those who produced the source material.
“There is so much potential with AI. But it also presents risks to our creative community. It’s crucial to get it right from the start so you don’t risk losing the artistic magic that only humans can create. .
Harvey Mason Jr., Recording Academy
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. added, “There is so much potential with AI. But it also poses risks to our creative community. It’s crucial to get it right from the start so you don’t risk losing the artistic magic that only humans can create.
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland of SAG-AFTRA said: “It comes down to respect for creative workers and their craft.
“We have long fought for protections against misappropriation of our members’ voices, likenesses and performances, and we are excited to continue this vital work in collaboration with our coalition partners. As technology continues to improve storytelling, we want to make sure humans are always at the center of the story.
“Artificial Intelligence is a powerful and still emerging technology that presents unique challenges as it matures in the creative arts space. We embrace the responsible use of AI, but recent advances in AI highlighted the need to develop consensus on responsible use and to address important intellectual property concerns.
Michael Huppe, Soundexchange
SoundExchange President and CEO Michael Huppe added, “Artificial intelligence is a powerful and still emerging technology that presents unique challenges as it matures in the creative arts space.
“We embrace the responsible use of AI, but recent advances in AI have underscored the need to develop consensus around responsible use and address significant intellectual property concerns. Our culture and technology must respect the fundamental role that all creators play in the end result of AI. »
Campaign members include the American Association of Independent Music, American Federation of Musicians, Americana Music Association, Artist Rights Alliance, Artist Rights Watch, ASCAPAssociation of American Publishers, BMIBlack Music Action Coalition, Christian Music Trade Association, Church Music Publishers Association, Department of Professional Employees, AFL-CIO, European Composer and Songwriter Alliance, Future of Music Coalition, Georgia Music Partners, Global Music Rights, Gospel Music Association, Graphistes Guilde, IFPIInternational Federation of Actors, #IRespectMusic, MLB Players’ Association, Music Artists Coalition, Music Tech Policy, Music Workers Alliance, NHL Players’ Association, National Music Publishers’ Association, The Trichordist, Recording Academy, Recording Industry Association of America, Rhythm & Blues Foundation, SAG-AFTRA, SESACNorth American Songwriters and SoundExchange.
Stef Van Vugt, the founder and CEO of Fruits Music, a label and playlist company, recently raised questions on ownership of AI-created music, saying the rise of AI “will have many pros and cons for everyone in the industry.”
Back in November, MBW reported that more than 1,000 songs with human-like AI vocals have been released by Tencent Music Entertainment in China, one of which has already surpassed 100 million streams.
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