Sony Music Group has issued warnings to over 700 tech companies and music streaming services, cautioning them against using its music to train AI systems without explicit permission.
The letters state that Sony has “reason to believe” that some recipients may have already made unauthorised uses of its content, according to a TechCrunch report. The company’s portfolio, which includes prominent artists like Beyoncé, Celine Dion and Harry Styles represents significant value and intellectual property that Sony is determined to protect.
In its communication, Sony stressed the potential of AI but insisted that unauthorised use of its content undermines both control and proper compensation for the company and its artists.
The letter highlighted Sony’s concern over the use of its extensive catalog, which encompasses audio and audiovisual recordings, cover artwork, metadata and lyrics, in AI training, development, or commercialisation. The company has requested detailed information from recipients regarding which of its songs were used, how they were accessed, the number of copies made, the current status of these copies and the reasons for their existence.
Sony Music has set a deadline for responses, asserting that it will enforce its copyright to the fullest extent permitted by law in all jurisdictions. This move comes as copyright infringement becomes a significant issue with the rise of generative AI, which has led to an influx of AI-generated music on streaming platforms like Spotify. Even prominent artists are engaging with AI, as seen with Drake’s recent deepfake controversy involving the late rapper Tupac.
