Sony Music Joins ARIAM to Advocate for Responsible AI Usage
Billboard ·
Sony is the first music company to join the alliance that includes The Walt Disney Co., BBC, Fox Entertainment, Condé Nast and more.
Sony Music Group has joined the Alliance for Responsible Innovation in the Arts & Media, an organization that is working to help protect copyright while AI and technology continue to advance and set forth new policies. Sony is the first music company to join ARIAM, whose other members include The Walt Disney Co., BBC, Condé Nast, The New York Times , Fox Entertainment and Adobe.
According to the organization’s website , ARIAM follows three pillars: recognizing the creative opportunities that arise from AI; believing in the technology “when it’s done right” and follows copyright law; and helping companies find a balance between protecting their assets and creative works while also looking toward innovation.
“Generative AI presents significant opportunities and challenges for artists and songwriters, which is why we are pleased to join ARIAM to help shape how it fits into the future of all corners of the creative industry,” Kevin Kelleher , chief operating officer of Sony Music, said in a statement. “Only when developed in a responsible and ethical way that puts the value of human artistry at its heart, will AI have the potential to create an environment where innovation, creators and consumers all thrive. Sony Music Group has an unwavering commitment to protecting music, and we will see every day how art inspires, shapes culture and powers this industry and more. We wholeheartedly share ARIAM’s view that a healthy licensing environment, where responsible AI companies proactively partner with rightsholders, is the only foundation for getting this right.”
Victoria Furniss , executive director and CEO of ARIAM, added, “We’re very excited to welcome Sony Music Group as the first music company to join ARIAM. The issues surrounding AI affect all parts of the creative community and music is an integral part of that conversation. Sony Music Group embodies our organization’s principles and brings a valuable perspective to our work as we look for ways to support innovation while protecting creativity, the people behind it and audiences.”
Sony and Universal Music Group filed a new lawsuit on Sept. 18 against Suno arguing that the AI company “degrades the rights of artists to control their works, determine whether future uses of their works align with their aesthetic and personal values, and decide the products and services with which they wish to be associated.”
In recent months, The RIAA, A2IM and SAG-AFTRA joined forces to create proposals for how AI-generated music could be regulated on both streaming services and on the charts .