MUSIC, WHEN THE AI “STEALS” THE VOICE OF SINGERS: WHAT SAFEGUARDS?

15/05/2023

Agenda Digitale published a rich and interesting contribution by Simona Lavagnini, founding partner of LGV Avvocati, on a very topical issue of vital importance for the future of the music and cultural industry: what risks does the use of AI in the production of artistic works bring? What safeguards have been put in place to date for authors and for the various subjects involved in the production chain of the cultural industry?

 

The issue presents numerous critical and uncertain profiles, both with reference to the concrete risk of imitation and falsification of works and performances – as, for example, in the case of the song “Heart On My Sleeve”, misattributed to the singer Drake – and with regard to the use of works for the training of AI generative models. Mrs. Lavagnini’s article therefore focuses on the various and different aspects of the matter, addressing the issue of transparency in the use of others’ works by AI in order to define the applicative boundaries of the text & data mining exception and the related opt-out right, as well as the more than legitimate considerations regarding the protection of performers’ personality rights – especially in situations where AI even mimics their voice or image, without their prior consent. Finally, in light of the very low production costs of AI-generated works, an important question remains about the future and survival of the traditional cultural industry.

The full article is available at: https://www.agendadigitale.eu/mercati-digitali/musica-se-lai-ruba-la-voce-ai-cantanti-quali-tutele/