Publishers and songwriters face immediate risks as Spotify’s new beta feature spotlights voluntary AI credits in Song Credits, potentially devaluing human-created lyrics and production if disclosure stays optional and uneven across distributors.
Spotify Beta Brings Artist-Chosen AI Labels to Mobile Song Credits
Last September, Spotify announced measures relating to AI music, spam and deepfakes, including support for a new industry standard for music credits to clarify AI use in tracks.
Yesterday, the company launched a beta feature allowing artists to share how they have used AI in their music.
Where artists choose to disclose through their label or distributor, credits appear for specific contributions like vocals, lyrics or production in Song Credits on mobile.
Spotify Admits Gaps in Voluntary Disclosure System
The feature hinges on artist disclosure, so the absence of a credit does not mean AI was not used.
Not all distributors enable artists to disclose yet, but Spotify intends to expand this more broadly over time.
When Spotify first announced its AI-transparency credits plans, partners included DistroKid, CD Baby, Amuse and Believe among other distributors.
Spotify’s next step involves leaning on those partners to require disclosure.
Parallel Push for Broader Industry Standard Amid DSP Divergence
Spotify acknowledges this is not a complete solution on its own, as building a comprehensive system requires industry-wide alignment.
The company is tackling it on parallel paths: adding the information to Song Credits while leading development of a broader industry standard for AI labelling to give consumers consistent information across all services.
Last September, Spotify said it was working with standards body DDEX on the new standard, though DDEX has issued no news since its last announcement in December 2022.
Apple Music uses its own transparency tags system, which relies on disclosure from artists and distributors.
Deezer employs its own AI-generated content tag based on in-house detection technology.
Enforcement Looms as Core Challenge for Rights Holders
Spotify hopes for industry-wide alignment, which may prove slow in coming or never arrive.
A pressing issue for all DSPs is how they will enforce mandatory AI disclosure if it becomes required, and what punishment awaits artists and distributors who remain opaque about using this technology.
Watch Spotify’s expansion with distributors like DistroKid, CD Baby, Amuse and Believe, alongside any DDEX updates on the industry standard.
SOURCE TYPE: TRADE
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