Over 35 years after the introduction of the Parental Advisory sticker, the record industry is now weighing whether to place labels on music that utilizes AI.
In a joint announcement from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), the Grammys, SAG-AFTRA and other organizations in the music community, the groups declared “a unified approach to voluntary track labeling to give fans clearer information about the use of generative AI (GenAI) in sound recordings.”
Their proposal is to add digital markers — like those denoting explicit lyrics on streaming services — to songs either entirely created or assisted by AI technology. A black block with large “AI” would signify “AI-Generated” tracks, while a white block with a smaller “ai” would be used for songs that are “AI-assisted.”
“Fans want to know whether and how generative AI has been used in the music to which they listen,” IFPI CEO Vikki Oakley and RIAA Chairman & CEO Mitch Glazier said in a joint statement. “Given how important human artistry and authenticity is to music lovers all over the world, these labels will provide an immediately understandable and easily scalable approach to transparency. We acknowledge the many ways AI is being used creatively, so we expect to offer fans additional information as adoption of generative AI labeling grows and technology evolves.”
The call for “transparency” comes following reports detailing the rampant amount of AI music being uploaded onto streaming services; Deezer reported that AI-generated songs made up 44 percent of all new uploads, while Apple Music that one-third of new music uploaded onto the service is “100% AI.”
“These new labels will help listeners distinguish between wholly AI recordings and those where AI was used by human artists in limited ways,” the companies’ press release added.
The Grammys CEO Harvey Mason Jr., who already added AI guidelines to that award show, said in a statement, “As AI continues to be integrated into the creative process, artists and fans alike deserve a clear way to communicate how and when it’s being used. This initiative ensures that creativity, authorship, and artistic intent remain at the center of every song. Giving artists the ability to tell that story strengthens trust and supports a more sustainable future for music.”
It’s unclear when and if streaming services will begin implementing the AI labels on tracks.
