Source: Billboard

Billboard reports on a memo from Merlin, a global organization representing independent music labels, warning about AI companies scraping data without proper authorization. The memo raises concerns about how AI firms are training models using music content from indie labels without licensing agreements. This practice threatens the intellectual property rights of artists and labels, posing significant ethical and legal challenges.

The report highlights the financial and creative risks for the independent music sector, which relies heavily on fair compensation for content usage. Merlin is urging both AI companies and regulators to address these issues, emphasizing the need for transparent practices and agreements. The issue also sheds light on the broader challenge of balancing innovation in AI with respect for intellectual property laws.