The European Composer and Songwriter Alliance (ECSA) has published a letter expressing concern over a lack of transparency in relation to recent licensing deals between major music labels and AI companies.

The letter follows the recent publication of a White Paper by the Council of Music Makers (commented upon here) which called for artists to be placed at the heart of AI licensing deals.

In its letter, the ECSA acknowledges that licensing agreements “represent a long overdue and necessary first step to ensure AI companies respect copyright, enabling music creators to be remunerated for the use of their works”. However, it warns that without the involvement, consent, and remuneration of authors and artists, such agreements “present a real risk that major labels will replicate the licensing model of streaming in AI music services, undervaluing song rights while leveraging their dominant position in both the recording and publishing markets to unilaterally impose unfavourable terms for the music authors we represent”.

To address these concerns, the ECSA calls for greater transparency about the terms of the licensing deals between music labels and AI companies to ensure that there is parity between publishing and master rights. At the same time, it urges European policymakers and competition authorities to “duly consider the competitive dimension of these deals and their consequences for the European music market and cultural diversity”.

To read the letter in full, click here.