LONDON: Streaming service Spotify has announced that it will not impose a blanket ban on all music created by artificial intelligence (AI) on its platform. In a recent interview with the BBC, Spotify CEO Daniel Ek explained that there are legitimate uses of AI in the music industry, such as tools that improve music, like auto-tune. However, he emphasized that it is unacceptable to use AI to impersonate real artists without their consent.
In April, several music-streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music, removed songs that used AI to clone the vocals of artists Drake and The Weeknd. Ek acknowledged this issue and highlighted a middle ground wherein AI-created music can be influenced by existing artists but does not directly impersonate them. He predicted that the use of generative AI to create music would remain a topic of debate for many years.
During the interview, Ek was asked about the challenges the music industry is currently facing, to which he responded, “It is going to be tricky.” Artists from various disciplines, including music, have been speaking out against the use of AI in the creative industries and expressing concerns about the unpaid use of their work to train such technology.
Irish musician Hozier recently expressed his concerns about AI in a BBC interview and even mentioned the possibility of going on strike to protest against its threat. He stressed that he was unsure if AI technology met the definition of art.
As the debate continues around the role AI should play in music creation, Spotify has taken a stance against AI-generated music that directly impersonates real artists without their consent. While the company recognizes the benefits of AI tools that enhance music, such as auto-tune, it opposes the unethical use of AI to deceive listeners.
Spotify’s decision reflects the growing awareness and concerns regarding the ethics of AI in the music industry. The unauthorized use of AI to replicate the work of artists not only raises copyright concerns but also poses questions about the authenticity and integrity of the creative process.
It is expected that the discussion surrounding AI-generated music will continue to evolve as artists, industry professionals, and platforms like Spotify navigate the balance between innovation and the preservation of artistic integrity.
Overall, Spotify’s refusal to enact a blanket ban on AI-created music demonstrates its commitment to responsible and ethical practices in the music streaming industry.
Credit: The Star : Tech Feed
