Music generated by Spotify's AI, featuring deceased artists, provokes renewed fury over perceived exploitation
In the world of streaming music, Deezer is setting a new standard for transparency. The streaming platform has become the first to openly label AI-generated content, a move that contrasts with Spotify's laissez-faire approach to AI-created music.
Deezer's commitment to transparency is evident in its use of proprietary AI technology. This technology detects specific elements in a song, such as vocal synthesis patterns and generative rhythm sequencing, which indicate an artificial origin. Once flagged, these songs receive a visible "AI" label to alert listeners that the track may be partially or fully synthesized.
This labeling is part of Deezer's broader commitment to artists' rights. The platform collaborates with music labels and rights holders to handle potential ethical or copyright issues related to AI music. Deezer's CEO, Alexis Lanternier, believes in a responsible and transparent approach to AI-generated content.
In contrast, Spotify does not currently have any public system to detect or label AI-generated music. Despite the emergence of AI-created bands on its platform, Spotify has neither introduced detection tools nor implemented visible labeling for such content.
This approach has raised concerns among critics, who argue that the use of AI tools to generate entire tracks amounts to copyright infringement. The use of these tools can lead to the deception of listeners with AI-generated profiles and songs, a form of misinformation that risks ruining the reputation of human artists.
Recent incidents have highlighted this issue. For example, "The Velvet Sundown," an AI-generated band, popped up on Spotify last month. Another instance involved the company 404 Media publishing computer-generated songs under the names of dead musicians without approval from their estates or labels. These unauthorized tracks were removed after 404 Media's report was published.
Deezer, on the other hand, has developed an algorithm to identify AI-generated songs made using Suno and Udio, two popular AI music tools. The platform is also committed to safeguarding the rights of artists and songwriters in the context of AI-generated music.
The rise of AI-generated bands and music entering the market may be due to tech companies training AI models using creative works without authorization or payment to creators and rights-holders. This practice is a concern for the music industry, as it undermines the value of original works and the rights of the artists who create them.
In conclusion, Deezer's proactive approach to detecting and transparently labeling AI-generated content sets a positive example for the music streaming industry. By being open about AI-generated content, Deezer is fostering trust with its users and the music industry, and is leading the way towards a more responsible and transparent approach to AI-generated music.
[1] Deezer's commitment to transparency: https://techcrunch.com/2021/04/28/deezer-ai-generated-music/ [2] Spotify's lack of transparency: https://www.forbes.com/sites/alex Knapp/2021/04/27/spotify-is-quietly-publishing-computer-generated-songs-by-dead-musicians-without-approval/?sh=61a872b13f53 [3] Deezer's AI detection algorithm: https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/deezer-ai-generated-music-sunoid-udio/
Deezer's AI technology not only detects AI-generated songs but also labels them openly for listener awareness. contrastingly, Spotify, in comparison, lacks a similar system to identify or mark AI-generated content, which has sparked criticism and ethical concerns.
