The rise of AI is causing a major shakeup in the music industry. Recent studies predict that musicians could see their earnings drop by over 20% within just three years. This alarming figure highlights the growing impact of AI on creative fields.
A global economic study commissioned by CISAC sheds light on the challenges ahead. The report calls for immediate legal action to safeguard the livelihoods of creators. Without intervention, the financial stability of millions of artists may be at risk.
With five million members represented, CISAC’s findings are a wake-up call for the industry. As AI continues to evolve, protecting the rights and income of musicians has become an urgent priority.
The Risk of Exploiting Human Creativity
Without new legal protections, corporations could exploit human-created music for AI development. These companies might generate enormous profits from copyrighted material without compensating the original artists.
The CISAC report warns that this could lead to a stark imbalance. By 2028, corporate earnings from AI music could soar, while musicians’ incomes could drop by more than 20%.
The AI industry’s projected growth is staggering, leaping from $3.1 billion to $67.7 billion globally in just a few years. This growth poses a serious threat to artists unless laws are updated to ensure fair compensation.
Who Owns AI-Generated Music?
A major debate centers on how AI models are trained. Critics argue that if an AI is trained on an artist’s work and creates a similar piece, the new creation belongs entirely to the AI’s owners. This leaves the original artist with no claim to ownership or profits.
Artists strongly dispute this stance, fearing their work will be exploited repeatedly without compensation. Many believe this practice undermines their rights and devalues their contributions to the creative process.
CISAC president Bjorn Ulvaeus has pointed to legislation in Australia and New Zealand as a blueprint for change. He emphasized the need for similar laws worldwide to protect artists from losing income in the age of AI.
Setting the Standard for AI Policy
Bjorn Ulvaeus emphasized the importance of Australia and New Zealand leading the way in AI policy. He called for rules that protect creators’ rights while encouraging responsible innovation, ensuring AI enhances human creativity rather than replacing it.
“The world is watching,” he noted, highlighting the global impact of these decisions. A strong AI framework in these countries could set a precedent for protecting artists everywhere.
Dean Ormston of Apra Amcos echoed the urgency, stressing the stakes for creators. He urged governments to act decisively, protecting both artists’ livelihoods and the future of creative industries dependent on human ingenuity.