SoundExchange to Launch Global AI Registry for Music Creators

In a move aimed at protecting music creators' rights in the age of artificial intelligence, SoundExchange is developing a global AI registry for sound recording creators and rights owners. The registry, slated to launch in the first quarter of 2025, will allow creators to declare whether or not they want their work used to train AI music models.

This initiative comes at a time when AI's role in music creation is rapidly expanding, raising concerns about copyright infringement and fair compensation for artists. SoundExchange, a leading music rights organization, is stepping in to provide a solution.

The registry will leverage SoundExchange's extensive database of International Standard Recording Codes (ISRCs), offering AI companies a centralized resource to check for authorization before using recordings in their models. While U.S. law doesn't mandate such a registry, it will serve as a valuable tool for creators and AI companies alike, promoting transparency and responsible AI development.

SoundExchange CEO Michael Huppe emphasizes the importance of empowering creators in the face of AI's growing influence. "The rapid proliferation of companies building and leveraging AI music models demands creators have an ability to declare easily whether or not they want their work used in that process," he states.

The registry will be voluntary, and rights owners will retain all legal rights to their recordings regardless of their listing. However, it's expected to streamline the process of obtaining consent and help AI companies navigate the complex landscape of music rights.

While this initiative is a positive step, some critics argue it's a reactive measure in a field where AI models have already been trained on vast amounts of copyrighted music. The debate over fair use and AI's impact on the music industry is far from over, but SoundExchange's registry signals a proactive effort to protect creators' rights in the evolving digital landscape.