Record Labels Push New Tagging System for AI Tunes

Key Points:

• The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) are urging streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music to label songs that are either fully or partially created using artificial intelligence (AI).
• Two distinct labels are proposed: one for tracks that are mostly or entirely AI-generated, including synthetic vocals or key instruments, and another for "AI-assisted" tracks where humans lead but use AI tools during production.
• These tags would function similarly to "explicit" content warnings and would be voluntarily provided by artists, labels, and distributors, focusing only on AI use in the music itself, excluding lyrics, composition, videos, or cover art.
• The initiative aims to balance transparency with acceptance of AI in music creation, as many listeners want to know when a human performance is absent, while some musicians embrace AI as a creative tool and others worry about unpaid training of AI models and an influx of low-quality AI tracks.
• The push gains urgency as platforms report high volumes of AI-generated content, with French streaming service Deezer stating nearly 45% of its daily uploads are fully AI-generated; major industry groups including SAG-AFTRA, the Grammys, and the American Association of Independent Music support the labeling effort.