Sony wants to trace the DNA of songs generated by AI

Sony AI, a branch of the research and development division of the Japanese giant, has developed a technology that detects pieces used to train AI models. Give it an AI-generated song to analyze, and it should be able to quantify the contribution of original works. For example: "30% inspired by the Beatles, 10% by Queen." Such quantification would establish a calculation basis for redistributing revenue from AI-generated music.

Sony is trying to bring authors back into the equation

Sony can connect this new tool to AI models to access its training data, for companies that would accept such a collaboration. For the resistant parties, the technology could compare the generated pieces with existing works to estimate probable sources.

The issue is sensitive, as if part of the music industry signs partnerships with AI actors, another part—many artists and composers—stands firmly against the exploitation of their works. Such a tool would have the merit of balancing the forces at play, and thus help achieve better remuneration for artists.

Sony, as a owner of several record labels and music publishers (for example, a significant part of Michael Jackson's catalog), is directly concerned by the rise of AI-generated music. And the technology developed by the R&D group could extend beyond music to videos and games.

If the tool is promising, it will nevertheless have to be imposed on the entire industry. Will AI companies really want to integrate this device? Because the time is more about improving the performance of their models than implementing strict intellectual property safeguards.

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Source: Nikkei