Music Industry Moves: ASCAP, BMI and SOCAN’s New Registration Policies Allow ‘Partially’ AI-Generated Works

The landscape of music creation is continuously evolving, with technological advancements frequently reshaping how artists compose and produce their work. In a significant move reflecting this shift, major performing rights organizations (PROs) ASCAP, BMI, and SOCAN have announced updated registration policies that now accommodate musical compositions partially generated using artificial intelligence (AI) tools.

Music Industry Navigates AI: New Registration Policies from ASCAP, BMI, and SOCAN

In a coordinated announcement, ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers), BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.), and SOCAN (Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada) revealed updated policies for registering musical compositions. These new guidelines allow for the direct registration of works that incorporate elements generated with AI tools, provided they also include discernible human authorship. This marks a pivotal moment for creators who are increasingly integrating AI into their creative processes.

The PROs have established a clear definition for what constitutes a “partially AI-generated musical work,” describing it as a composition that blends AI-produced musical content with components of human authorship. This distinction is crucial, as compositions created entirely by AI tools, without any human creative input, will remain ineligible for registration under these new policies. The updates are a direct response to the growing trend of songwriters and composers leveraging various AI tools to enhance their workflow and expand their creative output.

Upholding Human Creativity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

While embracing the use of AI as a creative tool, ASCAP, BMI, and SOCAN have also strongly vocalized their disapproval of AI technology companies that ingest and train models on copyrighted musical works without explicit permission, fair compensation, or proper credit to the original creators. The organizations have collectively labeled such practices as “theft” rather than fair use, underscoring their commitment to protecting the rights of human artists.

Leaders from each organization have articulated the rationale behind these policy adjustments. Elizabeth Matthews, CEO of ASCAP, highlighted that “songwriters and composers have always experimented with innovative tools,” positioning AI as another instrument in a creator’s arsenal. She clarified that the updated policy aims to welcome partially AI-generated works, recognizing AI’s potential as a powerful tool for members, while emphasizing the necessity for laws that prioritize human creators and ensure technology companies act fairly.

Similarly, Mike O’Neill, President and CEO of BMI, stressed that this represents “an important first step in protecting human creativity as AI technologies evolve.” He affirmed the commitment to supporting creators who choose to utilize AI to enhance their artistic endeavors, ensuring their contributions are appropriately valued and compensated. Jennifer Brown, CEO of SOCAN, echoed these sentiments, stating that this alignment creates “a legal and ethical path forward for AI in music.” She emphasized that the policies acknowledge creators’ embrace of new tools while reinforcing the core values of respecting their work and safeguarding human creativity.

Implications for Songwriters, Composers, and the Future of Rights Management

For songwriters and composers who are members of ASCAP, BMI, or SOCAN, these policy updates offer much-needed clarity. It provides a defined pathway for registering works that incorporate AI, ensuring that their intellectual property is protected even when new technologies are part of the creative process. This aligned approach across three major PROs signifies a harmonized stance within the industry, which can help prevent fragmentation and confusion regarding rights management for AI-assisted music.

The move also underscores the music industry’s proactive efforts to adapt to technological advancements rather than being passively impacted by them. By establishing guidelines now, these organizations are helping to shape the future of copyright and intellectual property in a world where AI-generated content is becoming increasingly sophisticated. It sets a precedent that values human ingenuity at the core, while acknowledging the utility of AI as a complementary tool, rather than an independent creator.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a “partially AI-generated musical work”?

A partially AI-generated musical work is defined as a composition that combines musical content created using AI tools with elements of human authorship. This means there must be significant human creative input alongside any AI-generated components.

Can a musical work created entirely by AI be registered?

No, musical compositions that are entirely created using AI tools, without any human creative contribution, remain non-eligible for registration under the new policies of ASCAP, BMI, and SOCAN. Human authorship is a fundamental requirement.

Why have these organizations updated their policies now?

These policy updates are a direct response to the increasing number of songwriters and composers who are incorporating various AI tools into their creative process and workflow. The organizations aim to provide clear guidelines for their members while also protecting human creativity and intellectual property rights in the evolving digital landscape.

Conclusion

The decision by ASCAP, BMI, and SOCAN to accept registrations for partially AI-generated musical works represents a pragmatic and forward-thinking adjustment to the realities of modern music creation. By clearly defining the parameters for registration and staunchly advocating for human creators’ rights against unauthorized AI training, these organizations are navigating the complex intersection of technology and art. This evolving stance seeks to empower artists who choose to use AI as a creative tool, ensuring that innovation can flourish while the fundamental principles of authorship and fair compensation remain protected in the music industry.