The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) and the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), along with six other groups including the Grammys, unveiled a voluntary labeling system on Friday for music created using generative artificial intelligence. The labels aim to provide transparency to fans and are designed for broad, global adoption, including on streaming platforms.
Two Distinct Labels for AI Involvement
The organizations introduced two labels. The first, for "AI-generated" music, applies when AI is used to create the entirety or the primary portion of the recording's creative elements, including tracks generated entirely from AI prompts, lead vocals, and key instrumental tracks. The second label, for "AI-assisted" music, denotes recordings that are substantially created by humans but contain some AI-generated expressive elements, with humans performing lead vocals and primary instruments.
Industry Support and Adoption
"Fans want to know whether and how generative AI has been used," the chief executives of IFPI and RIAA said in a statement. "These labels will provide an immediately understandable and easily scalable approach to transparency." The labels are voluntary but intended for widespread use across streaming services.
Current AI Presence on Streaming Platforms
Music streaming site Deezer has already implemented a system to flag AI-generated tracks, which it says appear in nearly half of new uploads. In June, Deezer launched an "AI music detector" that it claims is 99.8% accurate. Earlier this year, an Apple Music executive told Billboard that over one-third of new uploads were entirely created with AI.
Streaming Services Respond
The Digital Media Association (DIMA), a trade group representing streaming companies like Apple Music, Amazon, and Spotify, stated it is following the labeling announcement closely and looks forward to receiving more detailed and accurate AI metadata to "strengthen our ability to give fans the transparency they deserve." DIMA CEO Graham Davies said, "DIMA has long advocated for the creators, owners, and distributors of music to provide accurate and timely metadata on all music released and distributed to streaming services." In April, Spotify launched a "Verified by Spotify" label to signal artist authenticity, and last year it announced efforts to support AI disclosure and combat impersonation. Spotify declined to comment on Friday, while Apple Music and DIMA did not respond to requests for comment.
