Ethan Carter
Every day, music streaming platforms see tens of thousands of AI-generated songs being uploaded.
A coalition of leading music labels, including Sony Music, Universal Music Group, and Warner Music Group, is advocating for the exclusion of AI-generated tracks from global music charts. This response follows the rapid rise of synthetic songs dominating popular rankings such as Billboard and Spotify’s top song lists.
According to a report from The Hollywood Reporter, this coalition, which also comprises various independent labels, is urging chart organizations to implement new regulations that enforce stricter criteria for AI-generated music. They propose that only songs predominantly created by humans should be eligible for charting, asserting that any AI involvement must be legally justified. This plea arises in the wake of multiple lawsuits filed by major labels, including Sony, against AI music generators like Suno and Udio, claiming these platforms trained their models using copyrighted music without authorization. The coalition argues that any music associated with streaming fraud should be disqualified from charts worldwide.
Music streaming companies now face mounting pressure from the industry to ensure transparency regarding AI usage. Recently, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) proposed a new labeling system that would identify songs as fully or partially AI-generated within streaming applications. Apple has already taken steps by introducing AI “Transparency Tags,” which serve a similar purpose, although their application currently rests with the discretion of labels and distributors.
In the meantime, technology firms are simplifying the process for individuals to create music using AI tools with minimal input. For instance, Google’s Lyria Pro 3 can generate tracks up to three minutes long, allowing users to specify elements such as intros, choruses, and bridges. Last year, Spotify had to remove over 75 million “spammy tracks” from its platform as tens of thousands of AI-generated songs were reportedly uploaded daily to streaming services like Deezer.
Daniel Mercer
