New Study Says, Majority of Music Fans Support Restrictions on Use of AI

JAKARTA - A new study finds that the majority of music fans support restrictions imposed on the use of A.I. (artificial intelligence).

The new research was published as part of Engaging With Music 2023 – a report conducted by IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, an organization working in the global recording industry) that examines how fans around the world engage with and feel about music.

The research gathered responses from more than 43,000 people in 26 different countries, and is billed as the largest music study seeking detailed insight into fans' thoughts.

Now, for the first time, the report includes a section discussing the increasing influence of artificial intelligence and its impact on artists.

According to this year's survey results, what matters most to fans is the authenticity behind the music they consume – with 79 percent saying they consider human creativity to be the most important part of music creation.

Likewise, most participants also expressed their concerns and rejection of A.I.'s capabilities. to imitate and recreate a musician's existing repertoire, with a similar percentage (76 percent) stating that they feel an artist's music or vocals should not be absorbed by A.I. without permission.

In similar findings from the report, 74 percent agreed that A.I. may not be used to clone or imitate musicians without their consent.

This comes especially after an AI-generated collaboration featuring vocals imitating Drake and The Weeknd was removed from streaming platforms earlier this year, and later deemed ineligible for consideration for the Grammy Awards.

Finally, most agreed that greater transparency is needed regarding the use of technology in songwriting, with 73 percent agreeing that the technology should be clearly listed when something is created using an A.I. system.

“While music fans around the world see both opportunities and threats to music from artificial intelligence, their message is clear: authenticity matters,” said Frances Moore, IFPI chief executive of the findings (via MusicWeek).

“In particular, fans believe that A.I. systems may only use music if pre-approved permission has been obtained and systems must be transparent regarding the material ingested by their systems. This is a timely reminder for policymakers as they consider how to implement standards for responsible and safe AI.”

Similar concerns were raised by the Council of Music Makers (CMM), which published five basic rules they want companies to adhere to when developing music A.I. technology in September.

This includes protecting musicians' privacy rights and ensuring permission is sought before using their work, as well as fair distribution of financial rewards collected by AI-assisted music.