200+ Artists Demand the End of AI Music Devaluation, Infringement, and Exploitation

Photo Credit: Joshua Reddekopp

The Artists Rights Alliance and 200-plus musicians have released an open letter calling for the end of music devaluation, infringement, and exploitation through unethical AI.The campaign, which features the signatures and support of artists, including Billie Eilish, Camila Cabello, Nicki Minaj, and Katy Perry, calls on digital music developers to “cease the use of artificial intelligence to infringe upon and devalue the rights of human artists.”

Jen Jacobsen, executive director of the Artists Rights Alliance, asserts that working musicians already struggle to earn enough in the streaming world without the added burden of AI developers training AI on musical works without permission, or producing AI “copycats” to dilute royalties.

“The unethical use of generative AI to replace human artists will devalue the entire music ecosystem — for artists and fans alike,” said Jacobsen.

“Make no mistake: we believe that, when used responsibly, AI has enormous potential to advance human creativity and in a manner that enables the development and growth of new and exciting experiences for music fans everywhere,” the open letter reads. “Unfortunately, some platforms and developers are employing AI to sabotage creativity and undermine artists, songwriters, musicians, and rightsholders.”

The open letter includes signatures from Sam Smith, Jon Bon Jovi, Norah Jones, Pearl Jam, R.E.M., Chuck D, Kate Hudson, and South Korean entertainment company Hybe.“We must protect against the predatory use of AI to steal professional artists’ voices and likenesses, violate creators’ rights, and destroy the music ecosystem,” the letter continues.

“We call on all digital music platforms and music-based services to pledge that they will not develop or deploy AI music-generation technology, content, or tools that undermine or replace the human artistry of songwriters and artists or deny us fair compensation for our work.”

The Artists Rights Alliance’s campaign comes as US politicians consider legislation to establish protections that ensure the ethical use of AI in music while also compensating artists for their work.