Music industry launches AI-generated content labels

The global music industry is taking a unified stance on the burgeoning use of artificial intelligence in music creation by introducing a new voluntary labeling system. The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) and the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), alongside six other prominent music organizations including the Grammys, unveiled the initiative on Friday.

The core objective of these labels is to enhance transparency and provide clarity for consumers. "Fans want to know whether and how generative AI has been used," stated the chief executives of IFPI and RIAA in a joint prepared statement. They believe these labels offer an "immediately understandable and easily scalable approach to transparency."

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Fans want to know whether and how generative AI has been used. These labels will provide an immediately understandable and easily scalable approach to transparency.

Two distinct labels have been introduced. The first, "AI-generated," signifies music where artificial intelligence created the entirety or the primary creative components of the recording. This encompasses tracks produced entirely from AI prompts, as well as lead vocals and key instrumental parts generated by AI. The second label, "AI-assisted," applies to music that is still substantially human-created and expresses human creativity, but incorporates some expressive elements generated with AI. Crucially, for "AI-assisted" music, humans must perform the lead vocals and primary instrumental tracks.

This voluntary system is designed for widespread global adoption, with hopes for integration on major streaming platforms. Music streaming service Deezer already flags AI-generated tracks, which reportedly constitute nearly half of its new uploads, and has developed an AI music detector with high accuracy. Earlier this year, an Apple Music executive noted that over a third of new uploads were entirely AI-created. Trade groups like the Digital Media Association, representing major streaming companies, are closely monitoring the labeling announcement, emphasizing the need for accurate AI metadata to "strengthen our ability to give fans the transparency they deserve."

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DIMA has long advocated for the creators, owners, and distributors of music to provide accurate and timely metadata on all music released and distributed to streaming services.