Ethical implications of AI for media companies

As artificial intelligence continues to disrupt the media and entertainment sector, businesses face unprecedented opportunities and challenges. AI is transforming the way content is created, distributed and consumed.

This transformative wave also brings with it ethical dilemmas, particularly in the areas of music rights and video/film production. As AI plays a new role in composing and directing, the industry must grapple with the impact on intellectual property rights and the questions AI raises about the nature of creativity and ownership.

AI in music: Who strikes the copyright chord?

The role of AI in composing and producing music is not a futuristic concept – it is already a reality, sparking a debate about the nature of ownership and creativity. Who should take credit when an AI algorithm produces a tune? Is it the developer behind the AI, the user who developed the tunes from the machine, or the AI ​​itself, an independent digital maestro? This question is as relevant to business operations as it is philosophical.

Let's imagine an AI program that can process the entire body of work of the Beatles or Beethoven and produce an original piece that sounds like a long-forgotten piece by one of them. The song sounds familiar, but is still undeniably new. And therein lies the crux of the dilemma: if AI can learn from existing music to create something fresh yet similar, who owns the rights to this new creation?

Traditional copyright laws are not designed to deal with this new artist in the industry. Now we find ourselves in uncharted waters where AI-generated music is streaming into our playlists. Music artists already navigating the transition to digital and streaming models are at another crossroads: If AI can produce hits with minimal human input, what does that mean for human musicians? Will AI dominate future music charts, and if so, how will that impact the livelihoods of traditional artists?

Media companies can address these issues in a number of ways. Some strategies and approaches that can help them adapt include:

• Innovative copyright models: Develop new copyright frameworks that recognize AI-generated content while protecting human creativity.
• Revenue sharing agreements: Implement agreements where revenue from AI-generated content is shared among developers, users and original content creators.
• AI collaboration: Foster collaboration between AI and human artists to create unique and innovative content.
• Transparency in the use of AI: Make the use of AI in music production clear to maintain consumer and artist trust.