In a recent development, major record labels have initiated legal action against two AI startups for allegedly using popular artists’ work without permission to train their systems and create copyrighted music. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), representing labels like Sony Music Entertainment, UMG Recordings, and Warner Records, has filed copyright infringement cases against Suno and Uncharted Labs, the company behind Udio.
Udio, the company responsible for the viral AI-generated song “BBL Drizzy,” raised $10 million in funding earlier this year. Suno, on the other hand, raised a substantial $125 million last month. Both companies have not responded to requests for comment.
RIAA CEO Mitch Glazier emphasized the importance of upholding ethical standards in AI development and expressed the need to stop the infringement by Suno and Udio. He highlighted the music community’s efforts to collaborate with responsible developers to create sustainable AI tools that empower artists and songwriters.
The lawsuit against Udio underscores the potential benefits of generative AI tools when used with proper permissions, while warning about the negative impact of irresponsible development on recording artists and the music industry. Similarly, the lawsuit against Suno points out the company’s large user base and music files being released without proper recognition or compensation to the original artists.
The growing concern over AI’s impact on music creation has led to over 200 artists signing an open letter calling for a halt to the use of artificial intelligence to devalue human artists’ rights. The situation is evolving, and updates will follow.
Reporting by Jordan Valinsky for CNN.
