In response to the ongoing discourse surrounding the rise of artificial intelligence-generated songs mimicking artists’ voices, the Independent Music Publishers International Forum (IMPF) has issued a new set of guidelines for AI developers.
According to a statement, these so-called “ethical principles” around AI, endorsed by 200 independent music publishing companies worldwide, are aimed at ensuring “a more transparent collaboration” between indie publishers and AI tech firms.
The IMPF’s members include Anthem Entertainment, Angry Mob Music, Big Machine Music, Concord Music Publishing, Downtown Music Publishing, ONErpm Publishing and Reservoir, among many others.
The IMPF’s position on AI follows the news from March that a cross-industry alliance of over 150 organizations had banded together to launch the Human Artistry Campaign to ensure that AI is developed and used in ways that support human culture and artistry.
The goal of that campaign is to ensure that AI will not replace or “erode” human culture and artistry.
The IMPF’s proposal was presented on the first day of the second IMPF Global Music Entrepreneurial and Creative Industry Summit, which kicked off today (October 9) in Palma in Spain.
The guidelines (which you can read here) comprise four core principles for the “ethical” use of music in AI training processes: compliance with intellectual property and copyright laws for all parties involved in AI application; maintaining records of musical and literary works used in machine learning; labeling of AI-generated music; and a clear distinction of human creation and technical generation.
The IMPF aims to encourage all parties in AI applications to seek “express” permission for the use of music in the machine training process.
The guidelines also advocate maintaining records of music used in the machine training process as a socially responsible practice.
The IMPF is also promoting the distinction between human creation and technical generation, particularly through clear labeling of AI-generated musical works.
“There has been much debate – and indeed often panic – about the rapid development of artificial intelligence and the implications it has for the creative industries. But the technology is here to stay, and it will only get more sophisticated.”
Annette Barrett, IMPF
“There has been much debate – and indeed often panic – about the rapid development of artificial intelligence and the implications it has for the creative industries. But the technology is here to stay, and it will only get more sophisticated,” said IMPF President Annette Barrett.
“In many cases it will actually enhance our work and lives. We should not fight these advancements, but it would be negligent to give tech developers free reign when it comes to the use of artistic human work – which carries its own irrefutable, intrinsic value – to enable machine learning.”
Barrett added: “We have established these four key ethical principles to strike a careful balance between progress and protection, to assert creative rights and, ultimately, to forge a healthier relationship between the creative and technology industries.”
“We have established these four key ethical principles to strike a careful balance between progress and protection, to assert creative rights and, ultimately, to forge a healthier relationship between the creative and technology industries.”
Annette Barrett, IMPF
The guidelines suggest that the IMPF welcomes technological advancements that enhance the creative process, but is still prioritizing respect for copyright laws and human-created works.
The IMPF’s new campaign follows its previous efforts against market concentration of catalogs and the principle of 100% licensing.
Their new guidelines on AI mark the latest attempt to rein in on the use of AI. Earlier this year, the European Union adopted a draft negotiating mandate on what it claims would be the “world’s first rules” on AI.
Music Business Worldwide
