The recording industry is tied up in a legal battle with AI music makers Suno and Udio over allegations of copyright infringement.
These AI music platforms have been accused of copying and exploiting copyrighted sound recordings without permission. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), along with major music labels such as Sony Music Entertainment, UMG Recordings, Inc., and Warner Records, Inc., has filed lawsuits against both companies.
Suno is being sued in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, while Udio developer Uncharted Labs, Inc. is being sued in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.
Suno and Udio are AI music platforms that translate text prompts into music. Similar to other AI tools that create images or videos based on user suggestions, these platforms generate music based on user input.
Suno AI is part of the Microsoft Copilot generative AI assistant, while Udio gained popularity for its creation of the AI-generated hit song "BBL Drizzy." The recording industry alleges that the music produced by these AI models is not original but rather a reworking of copyrighted material.
Stance of Recording Agencies on AI-generated Music
Suno and Udio allow users to generate music by providing text prompts. These prompts are then translated into musical compositions by the AI algorithms powering these platforms.
However, the recording agencies argue that the music generated by these models is not genuine original content but rather a reproduction of copyrighted material. They emphasize the need for developers to work together with the industry to ensure responsible and lawful use of AI technology in music creation.
The recording agencies involved argue again that they are not against the technology itself but rather how it is used by these companies.
They emphasize the importance of protecting artists' and songwriters' works and ensuring that AI tools are developed responsibly. The industry seeks to foster collaborations with developers to create sustainable AI tools that empower artists and prioritize originality.
Legal Ramifications and Potential Industry Changes
The RIAA is seeking damages of up to $150,000 per infringing song, which could amount to hundreds of millions of dollars in total.
In addition to monetary compensation, the recording industry also seeks injunctions to prevent Suno and Udio from further copyright infringement. These legal actions serve as a warning to other AI music platforms and bring attention to responsible and ethical development in the field.
The lawsuits against Suno and Udio might intrigue changes in their business models and operations. These companies may need to alter their practices to comply with copyright laws and ensure that they are not infringing upon the rights of artists and record labels.
The legal battle could also result in the development of more stringent guidelines for the use of copyrighted content on AI platforms, potentially shaping the future of AI music creation.