CISAC members are working to licence and monetise AI, CISAC DG tells panel

CISAC member societies are working full out to get the best protection and remuneration for creators in the world of AI. This was one message from CISAC DG Gadi Oron at a panel at the MaMa Convention in Paris on 12th October. The key priorities that are needed from policy makers are the obligation for transparency of AI operators, consent of the rightholder for the use of their works, and avoiding exceptions that limit the ability to license.  

“There’s been not just a leap but a quantum leap in how the industry is now trying to deal with a new technology that some see as a threat and others as an opportunity”, said Oron.  “But everyone agrees that we need a to act quickly to find a way to monetise and do our best to protect creators and publishers in order to get as much income as we can”.

“We are not trying to stop AI, but need to be able to understand what is happening and to be in a position to license and get value from the creative works that are being used.”

The challenge, however, is that legislation always moves slower than technology. Protecting music has always played a catchup game, particularly at international level.  AI presents an opportunity for decision-makers to show they can move quickly to ensure legislation is in place, and some are showing an impressive understanding of the issues, but there is a huge amount of work to do in educating politicians so that legislation comes out right, adequately protecting the creators.

ECSA President Helienne Lindvall also spoke on the panel, entitled “Is AI a desirable future for music?”,  along with moderator and Qwantum Rights Solutions CEO Eric Baptiste.