Recording exec warns top Republican on issues stemming from rise of AI and ‘fake music’

Artificial intelligence (AI) created “fake music” using “voice cloning” technology is starting to infiltrate the recording industry, negatively impacting artist compensation and raising other copyright law challenges, according to a top record maker.

Mitch Glazier, president and CEO of the Recording Industry Association of America, spoke with Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., on her “Unmuted” podcast and outlined some of the problems caused by AI-generated programming.

In the clip, first obtained by DailyMail.com, the pair discussed the challenges facing the music industry due to the rise of AI programs that create new content using voice cloning based on the work of a established artist.

Glazier, who has been working on the music industry’s transition to streaming services for more than 20 years, told Blackburn it’s a “double whammy” that AI programs can produce “fake music” and also steal an artist’s unique voice without the proper compensation.

‘The artist and his partners must own their work. That’s the whole constitutional premise that we’ve all fought for for so long — that this is the sweat on your brow, this is your genius,” Glazier said. “You get to own this, you get to make it, you get to decide who gets to use it and how and when it comes to your voice and your image and your likeness.”

He called it extremely “personal” that someone can actually steal your essence and put your voice on a song “that you never wanted to record” or that doesn’t reflect your own experience.

“It could be something you definitely wouldn’t want to say,” he added.

“And so the ability of these AI platforms to produce what I would call ‘fake music’ or inauthentic music at the rate that they do that and then steal an artist’s voice to do it.” It’s almost a double whammy,” Glazier continued.

Blackburn agreed, saying there is a “sequence of problems” that arises from the unauthorized replication of work, which raises copyright issues.

The CEO explained how copyright laws have been violated through the use of AI technologies.

“The AI ​​platform makes an exact copy – by law we call it a ‘reproduction’ – which means that a right has been violated and you deserve compensation for it,” Glazier told Blackburn.

He said that in making an exact copy, the creator has an “obligation” to get a license to use it, as YouTube and Spotify do – which is a partnership for both parties to thrive.

“You’re not supposed to break the law and ask questions later, and that’s what happens,” he continued.

Glazier praised the work of the Human Artistry Campaign, which put together “principles for AI” that he says will help protect the work of “human creators.”

He added that not all AI technologies are bad and often help propel and complement creative musical work.

But there are ‘ground rules’ to follow to ensure artists get the value they deserve.

“As AI technologies advance, we need ground rules to ensure artists, creators, performers and their works are respected and appreciated,” he tweeted.

The principles indicate that technology has long “powered” human expression and will continue to do so.

It also urges lawmakers not to support copyright exemptions that could allow AI developers to “exploit” artists, and creators’ interests should be at the center of future policy-making processes.

At a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing earlier this month, Blackburn questioned Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, about some of the issues facing the music industry.

Blackburn urged Altman during the hearing not to “train AI models on copyrighted works by artists and songwriters, or use their voices and their likenesses without first obtaining their consent.”

Altman did not immediately respond to Blackburn’s request.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., opened the hearing by playing an AI generation of his own voice.