Tidal to label AI-generated music, withhold royalties

Tidal shared its new policies regarding AI-generated music today and how the platform plans to "protect artists" and "inform listeners." Instead of banning it outright, starting on July 15th Tidal will label tracks it has identified as being 100 percent AI-generated with an icon. But starting today those tracks will no longer be monetizable. "Tidal's priority is ensuring royalties go to original works directly produced, written, and performed by people.

We will therefore not knowingly attribute royalties to music we identify as wholly AI-generated," the company's announcement reads. The platform didn't specify what tools it's using to identify AI-generated music. Tidal's decision reflects a cautious approach to the growing presence of AI-generated content in the music industry.

The company aims to balance the need to support human creators with the inevitability of AI-generated music. The policy change comes as the music industry grapples with the implications of AI on creative work. Why this matters: Tidal's policy shift has significant implications for the music industry, which is still reeling from the impact of AI-generated content.

By withholding royalties from AI-generated tracks, Tidal is taking a stance on the value of human creativity and the need for fair compensation. This move may prompt other streaming platforms to reevaluate their own policies on AI-generated content. Developers and businesses will need to consider how to adapt to a changing music landscape, where AI-generated music is increasingly prevalent.

For consumers, this means that the music they listen to will be more transparent, with clear labeling of AI-generated tracks. However, questions remain about the effectiveness of Tidal's identification tools and how they will be used to determine which tracks are eligible for royalties. Ultimately, Tidal's decision highlights the need for ongoing discussion and collaboration between the music industry, technology companies, and policymakers to ensure that the benefits of AI-generated content are shared fairly and that human creators are protected.