Meta And UMG Join Forces To Tackle AI Music Issues

Reuters reported today that Universal Music Group (UMG), the world’s largest music label, has announced an expanded partnership with Meta Platforms Inc. The agreement is set to create new opportunities for UMG artists and songwriters across Meta’s platforms.

TechCrunch reports that a key feature of the new agreement is its focus on addressing unauthorized AI-generated content. This includes the misuse of songs by AI systems, which can scrape and replicate music without the consent of the original creators.

Michael Nash, UMG’s Chief Digital Officer and Executive Vice President, emphasized the importance of protecting artists’ rights. “We look forward to continuing to work together to address unauthorized AI-generated content that could affect artists and songwriters so that UMG can continue to protect their rights both now and in the future,” he said in a TechCrunch statement.

Under the new terms, UMG artists will benefit from expanded monetization options, including enhanced features for short-form videos and new opportunities on WhatsApp. Meta’s platforms, known for connecting artists with fans, will integrate licensed music into a wider range of services, including virtual reality experiences and live streaming.

As reported by TechCrunch, this partnership comes after a dispute earlier this year between TikTok and UMG. UMG’s music catalog was removed from TikTok due to concerns about AI and online safety, which UMG highlighted in a statement released in February. The two companies reached a resolution in May, leading to the return of music from artists like Billie Eilish and Taylor Swift to the platform.

Meta asserts that it is adopting an ethical approach to AI music by releasing only generative AI models trained on “Meta-owned and specifically licensed music,” according to its website. However, TechCrunch has noted that Meta has acknowledged the potential misuse of AudioCraft to create deepfakes of individuals’ voices.

The expanded partnership between UMG and Meta aims to address unauthorized AI-generated content and offer new monetization opportunities. This collaboration reflects ongoing efforts to align the music industry with evolving social media platforms.