YouTube seeks music licensing agreement with record labels for its AI song generator

This is a highly controversial and provocative issue, and many performers strongly oppose the impact of artificial intelligence, fearing that it may undermine their work, value, and the future prospects of the industry.

YouTube is seeking support from the music industry to realize its artificial intelligence plans.

Google-owned YouTube is trying to block ad blockers with new methods while also striving to win the support of a skeptical industry. To this end, YouTube has proposed a way to provide upfront payments.

According to the Financial Times, music giants Sony, Warner, and Universal Music are believed to have been approached by YouTube to open up their audio content libraries for YouTube to use its AI software.

Crucially, the final decision on this issue is said to rest with the artists themselves, not the record companies, and they can participate individually if they wish.

Last April, over 200 artists signed an open letter stating, "We must protect ourselves from the predatory use of artificial intelligence, prevent it from stealing the voices and images of professional artists, infringing on creators' rights, and destroying the music ecosystem."

On the contrary, some performers, such as John Legend and Charli XCX, have agreed to participate in YouTube's Dream Track tool pilot program. This generative AI program allows a small group of creators to extract sounds and lyrics from an artist's catalog. Although only 10 artists have signed up to participate, YouTube claims that "dozens" are ready to collaborate.

Industry insiders' comments on the AI debate

A senior executive from a major music company said in an interview with the Financial Times, "The industry is struggling with this. Technically, companies have the copyrights, but we have to consider how to operate. We don't want to be seen as conservatives." This is a complex and enduring controversy.

When it comes to protecting their own interests, record companies will not back down, as demonstrated by the massive copyright infringement lawsuits filed by major record companies such as Sony and Universal against AI music generators Suno and Udio.

Under the protection of the Recording Industry Association of America, the plaintiffs are seeking compensation of up to $150,000 per work.