Google and Universal In Talks to License AI-Generated Music
Updated: Jan 8
Tech giants negotiate rights to artists' voices and melodies for deepfake songs.
Google and Universal Music Group are in discussions to license artists' vocals and melodies to create legitimate AI-generated songs, the Financial Times reported Tuesday. According to four people familiar with the matter, the goal is to develop a tool that lets fans produce deepfake tracks legally and compensates copyright holders.
The report said the talks are in early stages and no product launch is imminent. It added that Warner Music Group has also entered into negotiations with Google about a potential offering. The music industry has struggled with deepfake songs that mimic artists without consent. Under the proposed licensing deal, artists could choose to opt into the process.
Neither Google nor Universal Music immediately responded to requests for comment on the report.
In summary, Google and major music labels are exploring partnerships to enable AI-generated songs with proper artist compensation. The talks aim to provide a legal alternative to unauthorised deepfake tracks. Key details like launch timing remain unclear. If successful, the licensing deals could transform how AI music creation happens.
Google and Universal Music are in talks to license artists' voices and melodies to create legitimate AI-generated songs.
The goal is to compensate copyright holders and give artists the choice to opt in to deepfake song creation.
Music labels aim to provide a legal alternative to unauthorised AI mimicry of artists' voices and styles.
Source: REUTERS