Apple Music to Implement Mandatory AI Labels for Songs

Apple Music will introduce labels to identify songs created with the help of generative AI by the end of the year. The platform will require record labels and distributors to use AI Transparency Tags whenever artificial intelligence has played a significant role in the creation of a track. While these tags have been required internally since March, they will now be visible directly to listeners. This move follows requests from industry bodies such as the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) for clearer markings on AI content. Oliver Schusser, the global head of Apple Music, stated that the company has developed internal technology to detect the type of music being uploaded and which AI models were used. However, Schusser emphasized that the responsibility for reporting lies with the content providers. Data provided by Schusser indicates a stark contrast between uploads and consumption: while over one third of monthly uploads are AI generated, these tracks account for less than 1 percent of total plays. Apple Music joins other streaming services like Spotify, Deezer, and Tidal in signaling AI content. Unlike Apple Music, Spotify has indicated it will exclude AI generated music from its recommendation system.