Google's new AI can identify emotions, raising serious ethical concerns

In South Korea, Pozalabs, an AI music generation startup, has been actively involved in discussions surrounding the ethical implications of using copyrighted music in AI training. The company recently responded to the Society of Authors, Composers, and Publishers of Music (SACEM) after receiving a letter from them on October 2, 2024, urging Pozalabs to refrain from using music affiliated with SACEM for AI training without obtaining the necessary permissions. Pozalabs' CEO, Wongil Huh, assured SACEM that their methodology exclusively relies on a proprietary dataset consisting of over one million MIDI sound samples and 50,000 vocal samples developed by their in-house team of professional composers. This practice aims to eliminate any potential copyright issues and demonstrate respect for artists’ creative contributions. Pozalabs' approach has sparked significant interest within the broader tech and music industries, presenting a potential model for responsible AI development. Huh emphasized the company's commitment to preventing the unauthorized use of copyrighted music in AI training, aligning with ongoing concerns in the music sector that highlight the ethical and legal challenges posed by AI technologies. In an effort to foster transparency, Pozalabs has invited SACEM representatives to their Seoul office for an open dialogue about their music generation process. This constructive engagement could pave the way for collaborative solutions that address the challenges faced by both the tech and music industries. As AI technology continues to advance, it is crucial for organizations like Pozalabs to uphold ethical standards to protect the creative ecosystem and promote artistic integrity. The evolving discussions around AI's role in music creation reaffirm the importance of responsible practices in the face of rapid technological progress.