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MU Calls on Labour Government to Back Fair Remuneration From AI

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl outlines three measures that Government must take to protect the UK music industry.

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By Naomi Pohl Published: 26 September 2024 | 1:11 PM
Naomi Pohl speaking at Labour Party Conference 2024.
We call on the Labour Government to stand with us in our David and Goliath battle, and be the champions of the 35,000 talented and highly skilled musicians we represent. Image credit: the MU.

We acknowledge the extraordinary benefits AI can bring to society across many industries, including the creative industries.

However, we are once again facing a David and Goliath battle where the big tech and major international corporations ride roughshod over the livelihoods and rights of our members, the music makers - performers, artists, songwriters, composers and music producers.

Unlawful use of creators’ content by Big Tech must end

There must be urgent protections for the human creators whose works are being used by tech firms to train and develop their AI models without consent.

These models have the ability to generate endless new creations at the touch of a keypad, generating potentially unlimited revenue.

It’s already happening and it’s gobbling up opportunities for our members to make a living all the time. There is no deal for our members and there is no mechanism for them to be paid.

Protecting economic growth and creative workers

There is no difference between the economic case for growth through increasing workers’ pay and improving reward for creators. Our members are workers too.

If multinational companies distribute more income to creators in the UK, our whole economy will benefit.

So, we are calling for:

  • Explicit consent to be sought from human creators to use their works to train AI models, which means that companies like the major record labels can’t rely on rights-grab in old contracts that were signed before AI even existed.
  • Labelling of AI generated works so music consumers have the right to choose if they want to listen to a human or a machine
  • Music creators and performers to be guaranteed a fair share of the revenue generated by AI music.

Ensuring the UK is a world leader in music and the arts

The UK music industry has been world-leading for decades.

Everyone, regardless of their background, should have the opportunity to work in music.

But unless we stand up and protect today’s musicians and music creators, and ensure being a musician remains a viable career, then British music will be consigned to history.

We call on the Labour Government to stand with us in our David and Goliath battle, and be the champions of the 35,000 talented and highly skilled musicians we represent.

This is an edited version of Naomi’s speech to Labour Party Conference 2024, in support of a motion on AI and automation.

Watch the speech in full:

Get support as a music creator through MU membership

The MU has a strong community of songwriters and music composers. We have specialist officials and advise music makers on the specific issues, including pay and contractual issues, career in composing and songwriting, employment and legal advice.

Explore our services available to music writing members

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The MU is supporting the The Alan Turing Institute with its new CREAATIF survey, which explores the impacts of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) on creative workers. Take part to share your experiences and help shape future AI policy regulation.

Published: 10 October 2024

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