Music Industry Battles AI Deepfakes: Lawsuits, Blockchain Solutions, and Legislative Challenges
April 7, 2025
The founders of ARK argue that the rapid growth of AI poses a significant threat to the creative industries, necessitating proactive measures from artists to safeguard their work and livelihoods.
As of now, no trial dates have been set for the Udio case or a similar case against Suno, leaving significant legal uncertainties regarding the interpretation of fair use in the context of AI.
The music industry is grappling with the challenges posed by generative AI and deepfakes, facing limited success in addressing these issues through various platforms, courts, and legislative efforts.
In response to the proliferation of AI-generated content, Spotify is enhancing its tools to identify such material, while YouTube is also planning to improve its detection capabilities.
Lawsuits concerning the use of copyrighted material for AI training are raising significant questions about fair use principles, which could have lasting effects on intellectual property rights.
In a notable case, major music labels have filed a lawsuit against Udio's parent company for unauthorized use of copyrighted sound recordings, although legal proceedings have not advanced significantly.
ARK is scheduled for a full launch in the summer of 2025, having secured funding and partnerships to support its development.
Industry analysts emphasize that the fragmented nature of the music industry hampers its ability to effectively respond to the rapid advancements in AI technology.
To combat the encroachment of AI on artistic work, Ed Bennett-Coles and Jamie Hartman have developed a blockchain-based application called ARK, which aims to empower artists to protect their creations.
They believe that a decentralized approach through blockchain technology is crucial for enabling creators to maintain control over their intellectual property.
Sony Music has highlighted the scale of the issue by demanding the removal of 75,000 deepfake instances, underscoring the extensive challenges posed by AI-generated content.
In the UK, proposed legislative changes could allow AI companies to use creators' content unless rights holders opt out, prompting protests from notable musicians.
Summary based on 14 sources
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Sources

Bangkok Post • Apr 7, 2025
The music industry is battling AI -- with limited success
FRANCE 24 • Apr 7, 2025
The music industry is battling AI -- with limited success
Tech Xplore • Apr 7, 2025
The music industry is battling AI—with limited success
Hürriyet Daily News • Apr 8, 2025
Music industry battling AI with limited success