The MU played an active role in shaping the principles, ensuring that the interests of musicians were represented. Photo: Shutterstock.
The principles were developed by the Liverpool City Region (LCR) Music Board’s AI and Music Innovation Task & Finish Group with input from industry stakeholders including the MU.
They set out a ‘human first’ approach to AI built around the four core principles of consent, control, compensation and attribution and transparency. The principles emphasise that creators should retain meaningful control over how their work, voice, image and artistic identity are used, while ensuring transparency, proper attribution and fair remuneration where AI derives value from creative works.
The framework also commits the Board to advocating for human-centred AI practices, supporting education and awareness for creators, encouraging transparency across the music industry, and exploring how public funding and partnerships can reflect these principles.
As part of the initiative, artists, freelancers and music organisations are being encouraged to publicly pledge their support for the principles and demonstrate their commitment to ethical and responsible AI practices.
The Union continues to fight for consent, credit and remuneration for AI training and AI-generated music
The MU played an active role in shaping the principles, ensuring that the interests of musicians were represented. The Union continues to call for stronger protections and copyright law that requires consent from, and compensation for, human creators for the use of their work to train AI models.
Paul Reed, North of England Regional Organiser for the MU said:
“The MU warmly welcomes the launch of these principles and Liverpool City Region Music Board's commitment to putting creators at the heart of the conversation. Musicians deserve to know that their work, creativity and identity will not be used without their knowledge or against their interests.
“These principles place consent, control, recognition and fair compensation at the heart of how AI is approached within Liverpool City Region's music sector, and that is exactly the kind of leadership we would like to see replicated across the country.”
The MU hopes the principles will provide a model for other regions in terms of protecting the rights and livelihoods of musicians. The full principles and assets to share can be viewed on the Liverpool City Region Music Board website.