Sony Music is flexing its muscles in the burgeoning world of artificial intelligence (AI). Recently, the music giant sent a letter to over 700 tech companies and streaming platforms, warning them against using its content to train AI systems without explicit permission.

This isn’t just about protecting hit songs from Beyoncé or chart-toppers by Doja Cat. Sony Music argues that unauthorized use of its vast catalog, which includes recordings, compositions, artwork, and even lyrics, undermines its control and the compensation artists deserve for their work.

The letter, obtained by Bloomberg, highlights Sony Music’s concerns about AI systems being “trained, developed or commercialized” using copyrighted material. This raises a red flag for the music industry as a whole.

The music industry has been particularly cautious about how its content is used in AI tools. We’ve seen this play out on YouTube, where AI voice clones of musicians went viral last year. Music labels, including Sony Music, were quick to establish stricter rules for the music industry, leaving everyone else with looser protections.

Meanwhile, YouTube itself has introduced tools like “Dream Track,” which generates music based on user prompts and the style of specific artists. This further blurs the lines and raises copyright concerns.

The most dramatic example of this fight recently unfolded on TikTok. In February, Universal Music Group (UMG), another major music label, pulled its entire roster of artists from the platform after licensing negotiations related to AI and monetization broke down. Viral videos sputtered as music by Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande vanished overnight.

Thankfully, the silence wasn’t permanent. By May, a deal was struck between UMG and TikTok, with Swift’s music mysteriously reappearing on the platform just before her new album release (a strategic move, some might say).

The new agreement reportedly includes stronger protections for artists and songwriters in the age of AI, alongside “new monetization opportunities” around e-commerce. A joint press release emphasized that TikTok and UMG will work together to ensure “AI development protects human artistry and the economics that flow to artists and songwriters.”

The issue goes beyond copyright. AI-generated voice clones used to create new songs raise questions about an artist’s control over their own voice. AI companies have trained models on vast libraries of recordings, often without consent, allowing users to generate new material based on those voices.

However, challenging this practice through “right of publicity” laws can be difficult due to the patchwork of legal precedents across different US states.

Sony Music’s move is a clear message to the AI industry: the music industry is watching closely. The fight to protect creative works and ensure fair compensation for artists in the age of AI is just beginning.

This article was originally published on May 17, 2024, at 10:30 am ET.