The Artists Rights Alliance and over 200 musicians have signed an open letter calling for an end to music devaluation, infringement, and exploitation via unethical AI.
The initiative, which has the signatures and support of musicians such as Billie Eilish, Camila Cabello, Nicki Minaj, and Katy Perry, urges digital music creators to “cease the use of artificial intelligence to infringe upon and devalue the rights of human artists.”
According to Jen Jacobsen, executive director of the Artists Rights Alliance, professional artists already struggle to make enough in the streaming age, let alone having AI engineers train AI on musical compositions without permission or developing AI “copycats” to reduce earnings.
“The unethical use of generative AI to replace human artists will devalue the entire music ecosystem — for artists and fans alike,” Jacobsen stated.
“Make no mistake: we believe that, when used responsibly, AI has enormous potential to advance human creativity and in a manner that enables the development and growth of new and exciting experiences for music fans everywhere,” the open letter continues. “Unfortunately, some platforms and developers are employing AI to sabotage creativity and undermine artists, songwriters, musicians, and rightsholders.”
The open letter was signed by Sam Smith, Jon Bon Jovi, Norah Jones, Pearl Jam, R.E.M., Chuck D, Kate Hudson, and Hybe, a South Korean entertainment firm.
“We must protect against the predatory use of AI to steal professional artists’ voices and likenesses, violate creators’ rights, and destroy the music ecosystem,” the letter states.
“We call on all digital music platforms and music-based services to pledge that they will not develop or deploy AI music-generation technology, content, or tools that undermine or replace the human artistry of songwriters and artists or deny us fair compensation for our work.”
The Artists Rights Alliance initiative comes as US lawmakers debate legislation to implement safeguards to assure the ethical use of AI in music while also rewarding artists for their efforts.
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