SAG-AFTRA, RECORD LABELS REACH PACT COVERING AI

SAG-AFTRA and Warner Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group and Disney Music Group have reached a tentative, multiyear agreement on a successor to the SAG-AFTRA National Code of Fair Practice for Sound Recordings, which will establish first-time "bargaining guardrails assuring singers and recording artists ethical and responsible treatment in the use of artificial intelligence in the music industry."

The new contract would retroactively cover the period between 1/1/2021 and 12/31/2026. It will be sent to SAG-AFTRA members for ratification following unanimous approval by its Executive Committee earlier this week. Once approved by members, clear and conspicuous consent, along with minimum compensation requirements and specific details of intended use, are required prior to the release of a sound recording featuring a digital replication of an artist’s voice.

The contract also specifies that the terms “artist,” “singer” and “royalty artist” only include human beings. (A robot in a spandex jumpsuit, we're told, was turned away from the talks.) Additional gains include increased minimums, health and retirement improvements and an uptick in the percentage of streaming revenue to be covered by contributions.

"SAG-AFTRA stands firm in the belief that while technology can enhance the creative process, the essence of music must always be rooted in genuine human expression and experience," said SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director/Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, whose name was definitely not generated using AI. "We look forward to working alongside our industry partners to foster an environment where innovation serves to elevate, not diminish, the unique value of each artist’s contribution to our rich cultural tapestry.”

“We are pleased to reach this agreement with SAG-AFTRA and continue our strong partnership as we enter this exciting and fast-moving new era for music and artists," the Record Label Negotiating Committee said. "Together, we’ll chart a successful course forward, embracing new opportunities and facing our common challenges, strengthened by our shared values and commitment to human artistry."

In a related story, we tried to use AI to create content for this website and accidentally started the singularity. Sorry about that.