MP Kevin Brennan calls for urgent legislative action to safeguard artists against AI threats, as a report highlights public support for regulations in the UK music industry.
Legislation Needed to Address AI Threats to UK Music Industry
An MP has called for legislation to address the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the UK music industry, citing the need to protect artists from potential threats. Kevin Brennan, chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Music, emphasized the urgency of such measures following a report indicating strong public support for regulation.
The report, conducted by Whitestone Insight for UK Music, surveyed 2,110 British adults and found that 83% believe an artist’s creative identity should be legally protected from AI replication. This follows incidents of fake photographs of US singer Taylor Swift circulating on social media, prompting platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to enforce strict removal policies.
Kevin Brennan, Labour MP for Cardiff West, argued, “We must also confront the danger that unfettered developments in AI could pose to the UK’s musicians and music businesses.”
The survey also revealed that 83% of respondents support clearly labeling AI-generated music, and 77% believe uncredited AI music constitutes theft. Additionally, 80% feel that the law should prevent an artist’s music from being used to train AI without their consent.
Recommendations from the APPG include the introduction of a UK AI Act, clear labeling of AI-generated music, and the establishment of a personality right to protect artists from deepfakes and misappropriation. They also propose creating an international taskforce to address these issues.
Responding to the report, UK Music interim chief executive Tom Kiehl said the Government must act swiftly to protect the industry from the “very real” threat posed by generative AI.
A Government spokesperson stated, “We are committed to helping artists and the creative industries work with the AI sector to harness the opportunities this technology provides.”
In April, over 200 artists, including British pop star Engelbert Humperdinck and former One Direction member Zayn Malik, signed an open letter objecting to the unauthorized use of AI to replicate artists’ voices and likenesses.
