Sony Unveils AI Technology to Track Copyrighted Music in AI-Generated Songs
Sony has reportedly developed an innovative technology capable of identifying the underlying copyrighted music utilized in AI-generated songs. This groundbreaking tool could empower songwriters and composers to seek rightful compensation from AI developers who have employed their creative works without proper authorization. The Japanese technology giant envisions that this advancement could facilitate the establishment of a fair revenue distribution system, ensuring that original artists receive payments based on their contributions to AI-generated music.
Addressing Copyright Concerns in the AI Era
The development emerges against a backdrop of increasing allegations where AI developers are accused of utilizing copyrighted music, videos, and written content without permission to train their artificial intelligence systems. Within the music industry, AI-generated tracks featuring the voices of renowned singers have already proliferated across online platforms, raising significant legal and ethical questions.
How Sony's AI Music Identifier Functions
According to a detailed report by Nikkei Asia, Sony's technology meticulously analyzes which specific songs were employed during the training and generation phases of AI music. It can quantify the contribution of each original work, such as determining that "30% of the music originated from the Beatles and 10% from Queen." When AI developers agree to collaborate, Sony Group will access data by connecting directly to the developer's base model system. In instances where cooperation is not feasible, the tool estimates a track's originality by comparing AI-generated music with existing copyrighted compositions.
In Japan, copyright law safeguards music rights through two primary categories: copyrights held by songwriters, composers, and music publishers, and neighboring rights held by performers and record producers. Sony Group, which owns major music labels and a publishing arm, including control over half of the late Michael Jackson's catalogue, is well-positioned to leverage this technology.
Implications for Royalty Collection and Copyright Protection
Music production companies and publishers traditionally collect royalties when songs are used in films, television shows, or streaming services, distributing these funds to rights holders. Sony's new tool could extend this framework to AI-generated content, enabling rights holders to collect royalties from AI developers and thereby helping to prevent copyright infringement. This technology was developed by Sony AI, a division of Sony Group's research and development wing, with a related academic paper accepted at an international conference. Notably, this division has also created methods to prevent AI from imitating distinctive styles, such as those of Studio Ghibli's anime designs.
Future Adoption and Industry Challenges
Sony anticipates that AI development companies will integrate this technology into their own models, and content companies will utilize it during licensing negotiations. However, the report highlights uncertainties regarding how proactively AI developers will adopt such measures. Some industry insiders note that AI companies often prioritize enhancing model performance and may show limited interest in preventing intellectual property infringement, posing potential hurdles for widespread implementation.
