The independent digital licensing partner Merlin Network, which caters primarily to independent music creators and labels, has released a statement regarding its stance on artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications for the music industry. The statement was shared with Digital Music News and outlines the organisation's commitment to ensuring that the value of human creativity is preserved amid the rapid advancements in AI technology.
Established to facilitate fair and innovative uses of its members' music, Merlin Network emphasises its historical commitment to recognizing the artistry involved in music production. In its statement, the organisation reflects on the need for technological adaptation while maintaining respect for the artistry and financial investments that underpin the creative process. They affirm that "artistic expression is a fundamental part of what makes us human," underscoring music's unique role in uniting people, evoking emotions, and facilitating personal expression.
While Merlin acknowledges the advantages that AI can offer the creative community, it also warns against the unregulated application of such technologies. The organisation asserts that without appropriate governance, AI could have detrimental effects on the creative industries and global culture at large.
Merlin believes that AI can enhance the creative landscape when developed and implemented responsibly. "AI products that aid human creativity, or provide new opportunities for artists to create and collaborate in developing new original works, are products that Merlin supports," they stated. The organisation expresses a willingness to partner with AI companies that prioritise ethical practices, such as adequately compensating Merlin members for the use of their repertoire and incorporating necessary safeguards to protect their rights.
However, Merlin firmly opposes any deployment of AI that is based on training models with its members' music without permission. They highlight the considerable number of independent labels represented by the network, which typically operate as small businesses that support artists amid increasingly challenging market conditions. The statement warns that unlicensed use of artists' work poses a significant threat to their livelihoods.
The potential classifying of certain AI uses as “fair use” has been a controversial topic, with Merlin making clear its position that such assertions are unfounded. According to the group, the legal framework for fair use rests on four criteria, and they argue that unlicensed AI models fail on all counts. They contend that any AI company that trains its models by extracting copyrighted sound recordings from the internet is engaging in unauthorized reproductions that harm the market for original works.
Merlin distinguishes between transformative and substitutional uses, stating that the impact of AI-generated music is directly competitive with original works. They reinforce that taking creative content without permission — particularly for the purpose of creating new works that substitute for the original — does not constitute fair use.
The organisation concludes by urging AI companies to seek explicit written authorisation from Merlin or their members for any applications of their music in AI model training or development. The policy guidelines for such processes are laid out on Merlin's official website, and they invite responsible companies interested in collaborating to reach out through a designated email address.
In sum, Merlin Network's position on the use of AI in music reflects a broader concern within the industry about balancing innovation with the protection of artists' rights and livelihoods. As AI technologies continue to evolve, the discourse over their implications for creative industries is expected to gain further prominence.
Source: Noah Wire Services