The Worldwide Independent Network (WIN), a global organization representing indie music trade associations, has unveiled a new set of principles to guide the development of artificial intelligence (AI) in the music industry. The manifesto, titled “Guidance on Generative Artificial Intelligence,” calls for the creation of an AI ‘licensing marketplace’ and outlines five key principles that prioritize a human-centered approach, transparency, and the protection of creators’ rights.
Everything you need to know:
✓ WIN’s AI manifesto prioritizes a human-centered approach, transparency, and ethical AI development in the music industry.
✓ The manifesto calls for the creation of an AI ‘licensing marketplace’ to benefit all stakeholders.
✓ WIN’s principles align with the recently published Global Independent Values and aim to inspire policymakers worldwide.
WIN’s proposing a manifesto
WIN’s manifesto arrives at a critical juncture as music companies globally navigate the challenges and opportunities of rapidly advancing AI technology. The organization’s CEO, Noemi Planas, stressed the significance of these principles, stating, “The global independent music community welcomes new technological developments which respect the value of music and creators’ rights. These principles for generative AI are the result of extensive consultation with independents around the world and align with our recently published Global Independent Values.”
The five key principles outlined in the manifesto are:
- AI development is subject to copyright
- Prioritizing a human-centered approach
- Safety of creators, fans, consumers, and the public
- Transparency as a fundamental element
- Ethical AI development hand-in-hand with music
These principles highlight WIN’s call for consistent high standards across the globe and the need to engage with AI developers to build a licensing marketplace that benefits all stakeholders in the music industry.
Legislation on AI is advancing, but can it catch up?
The manifesto’s release comes amidst a flurry of activity in the music industry related to AI. Some companies, such as Universal Music Group, have taken legal action against AI developers like Anthropic for alleged infringement of lyric copyrights. Others, like Sony Music Group, have sent letters to AI developers and music streaming services, notifying them of their intention to opt out of having their intellectual property used in the training of AI models.
On the legislative front, the recently-passed ELVIS Act in Tennessee and the proposed No AI FRAUD Act at the federal level in the United States aim to address the issue of deepfakes by extending rights of publicity. The European Union’s AI Act also mandates that developers of “general purpose AI” keep track of and make publicly available the content used to train their AI models, as well as obtain permission from rights holders to use copyrighted materials in training, with certain exceptions.
Despite the challenges posed by AI, many music companies are also exploring the technology’s potential to help artists create music and improve business functions. Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group have joined YouTube’s ‘Music AI Incubator’ to responsibly develop AI-driven music-making tools with input from artists. Additionally, both UMG and WMG’s Spinnin’ Records have signed partnerships with AI-generated wellness music company Endel, while Sony Music Group has hired its first-ever Executive Vice President for Artificial Intelligence.
WIN’s AI principles: A crucial guide for music’s future
Gee Davy, AIM CPO and Interim CEO, emphasized the importance of WIN’s AI principles, stating, “With laws and regulations around AI emerging around the world, it’s essential to ensure they properly support human artistry and innovation. The global independent music community believes in leadership through knowledge-sharing and inclusive discussion.”
As the music industry navigates the complex landscape of AI, WIN’s manifesto serves as a crucial guide for developers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. By prioritizing a human-centered approach, transparency, and the protection of creators’ rights, the organization aims to foster a responsible and inclusive development of AI technology that benefits the entire music ecosystem.
The creation of an AI ‘licensing marketplace’ could prove to be a significant step forward in addressing the challenges of unauthorized use of copyrighted material in AI training while also providing a platform for music companies and artists to collaborate with AI developers. As the industry continues to evolve, WIN’s principles will undoubtedly play a vital role in shaping the future of AI in music.
